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Centaurea dealbata (Persian Cornflower)

Persian Cornflower, Mealy Centaury, whitewash Cornflower

Centaurea dealbata, Persian Cornflower,  Mealy Centaury, Purple Cornflowers
Centaurea dealbata, Persian Cornflower,  Mealy Centaury, Purple Cornflowers

Centaurea dealbata (Persian Cornflower) is a clump-forming perennial boasting lilac-pink flowers in early to mid-summer. Attracting bees, butterflies, and other admirers, the blossoms are carried on upright stems above a bushy clump of narrowly oval, lobed, gray-green leaves. Native to the Caucasus, Persian Cornflower is well suited to growing in the sunny border, cottage gardens, meadows, and wild gardens.

  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils.
  • Good choice for beds and borders, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows. Excellent fresh-cut flowers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut back in autumn
  • Propagate by seed or by division.
  • Centaurea dealbata is native to the north Caucasus, Transcaucasia, and Turkey.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Centaurea
Common names Cornflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Centaurea cyanus ‘Snowman’ (Cornflower)
Centaurea dealbata ‘John Coutts’ (Persian Cornflower)
Centaurea cyanus ‘Black Gem’ (Cornflower)
Centaurea cyanus ‘Jubilee Gem’ (Cornflower)
Centaurea cyanus ‘Pinkie’ (Cornflower)
Centaurea cyanus ‘Blue Diadem’ (Cornflower)

Recommended Companion Plants

Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-Eye Daisy)
Centranthus ruber (Red Valerian)
Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)

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Native Plant Alternatives to Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower)
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 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Centaurea
Common names Cornflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Centaurea
Guides with
Centaurea
Not sure which Centaurea to pick?
Compare Now

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