Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.
Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Alpine Cornflower · Bachelor Button · Montane Knapweed
Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana) is a charming perennial with vibrant blue, thistle-like flowers. It adds a splash of color to cottage gardens and meadows, attrac
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; tolerates frost.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring is usually adequate.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established.
Reduce watering in winter.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. After the main flowering period, you can cut the plants back by about one-third to half their height to promote a tidier appearance and potentially a second flush of flowers.
Perennial cornflowers can be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. They can also be grown from seed, sown either indoors in late winter or directly outdoors in spring or autumn.
This plant is typically grown in the ground and does not usually require repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix to refresh the soil and prevent root-bound conditions.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Species | Centaurea montana |
Similar in genus Centaurea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data