Also known as Dwarf Tufted Centaury · Sea Centaury
Seaside Centaury (Centaurium littorale) is a low-growing annual or biennial herb with bright pink, star-shaped flowers. It thrives in coastal habitats.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil.
Sandy, Loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers mild to warm temperatures, generally between 18-24°C. Avoid frost.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal feeding; a light balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seaside Centaury prefers well-drained conditions and can be sensitive to overwatering, especially in cooler temperatures.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, allowing excess to drain away.
Pruning is minimal for Seaside Centaury. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. If the plant becomes leggy, a light trim can help promote bushier growth.
Pruning is best done after flowering has finished.
Seaside Centaury can be propagated from seed sown in spring or early autumn. Direct sowing in its final location is often best.
It can also be propagated by dividing established clumps in spring, though this is less common and may require careful handling.
Repotting is rarely necessary for this annual or short-lived perennial. If grown in a container, repot only when the plant is significantly root-bound, ideally in spring before active growth begins.
Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Seaside Centaury (Centaurium littorale)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Gentianales |
| family | Gentianaceae |
| genus | Centaurium |
| species | Centaurium littorale |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
