Centaurea americana (Basket Flower)

Rich with a sweet, honey fragrance, Centaurea americana (Basket Flower) is a magnificent annual boasting very large flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), with pinkish lavender ray flowers surrounding creamy disc flowers. Blooming profusely in late spring to late summer, the blossoms open from architectural, egg-shaped flower buds covered with a woven-looking pattern of bristled scales. They rise cheerfully atop tall stout stems clothed with lance-shaped leaves and are visited by butterflies and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by fluffy seed heads and songbirds feast on them as soon as they are ripe. An easily cultivated wildflower, Basket Flower is perfect for the back of flower borders or meadow plantings. Excellent for cutting and drying too.

• Grows up to 24-48 in. tall (60-120 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm). May self-seed in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic to neutral, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Perfect for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, and wildlife gardens. Excellent choice for naturalizing. Great as cut flowers too, fresh or in dried arrangements.
• Easy to grow and virtually pest and disease free. Provide good air circulation to keep the foliage healthy.
• New plants may be grown each year by planting seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date or outdoors at the last spring frost date.
• Native to the United States.