Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed)
Very Dark Purple Knapweed, Centaurea benoistii, Maroon cornflower, Cheirolophus benoistii
Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed) is a clump-forming, woody-based perennial with deep ruby-red, thistle-like flowers in summer. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, the blossoms open from attractive bronze-colored scaled buds. They sit atop strong, upright stems above a rosette of feathery, silver-gray leaves. Native to Romania and the Balkan Peninsula, this striking plant with curious reddish – purple flowers is perfect for the water-wise garden.
- Grows up to 36-40 in. tall (90-100 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in fairly dry, poor, well-drained soils. This cornflower can be invasive if the soil is rich and moist. Drought tolerant once established.
- Good choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows, coastal gardens and gravel gardens. Great as cut flowers too!
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by division in spring or autumn.
- Centaurea atropurpurea is native to Romania and the Balkan Peninsula.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Viktor Loki, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
