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Centaurea atropurpurea (Dark Purple Knapweed)

Very Dark Purple Knapweed, Centaurea benoistii, Maroon cornflower, Cheirolophus benoistii

Centaurea atropurpurea, 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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Centaurea Cyanus 'Jubilee Gem', Cornflower 'Jubilee Gem', Bachelor's Button 'Jubilee Gem', Blue Centaurea, Blue Cornflower, Blue Bachelor's  Button
Centaurea dealbata, Persian Cornflower,  Mealy Centaury, Purple Cornflowers
Centaurea dealbata 'John Coutts', Persian Cornflower 'John Coutts',  Mealy Centaury 'John Coutts', whitewash Cornflower 'John Coutts', Centaurea 'John Coutts' Purple Cornflowers
Centaurea Cyanus 'Black Gem', Cornflower 'Black Gem', Bachelor's Button 'Black Gem', Balck Centaurea, Black Cornflower, Black Bachelor's  Button
Centaurea Cyanus 'Pinkie', Cornflower 'Pinkie', Bachelor's Button 'Pinkie', Pink Centaurea, Pink Cornflower, Pink Bachelor's  Button
Centaurea Cyanus 'Snowman', Cornflower 'Snowman', Bachelor's Button 'Snowman', White Centaurea, White Cornflower, White Bachelor's  Button

Recommended Companion Plants

Geum Totally Tangerine, Totally Tangerine Avens, Orange Geum, Orange Avens, Orange Flowers
Sphaeralcea ambigua, Desert Globemallow, Apricot Globe-Mallow, Desert Mallow, Globe Mallow, Apricot Mallow, Orange Flowers
Aeonium 'Cyclops', Giant Red Aeonium, Black Rose, Purple Rose Tree, Purple Rose Black Aeonium, Black succulent
Euphorbia rigida, Upright Myrtle Spurge, Silver Spurge, Gopher Spurge, Rigid Spurge, Euphorbia biglandulosa, Yellow flowers, Drought tolerant perennial, Deer resistant perennial, rabbit resistant perennial
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.
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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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Centaurea
Guides with
Centaurea
Not sure which Centaurea to pick?
Compare Now

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