Also known as Alpine Knapweed · Blackish Knapweed · Doubtful Knapweed
Centaurea nigrescens, or Tyrol Knapweed, is an herbaceous perennial producing thistle-like, purple-pink flowers. It thrives in sunny locations.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy, chalky
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Prefers average room temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring is usually 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
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Overwatering can be detrimental to Tyrol Knapweed, so err on the side of caution once established.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant.
This also helps prevent self-seeding.
Propagate Tyrol Knapweed by seeds sown in early spring or autumn, or by division of established clumps in spring or autumn. Sow seeds in well-draining soil and keep moist until germination.
Divisions should be replanted promptly.
Centaurea nigrescens is typically grown in the ground and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix as needed.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tyrol Knapweed (Centaurea nigrescens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Species | Centaurea nigrescens |
Similar in genus Centaurea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
