Greater Knapweed, Black Top, Scabious Knapweed, Greater Centaury, Centaurea scabiosa var. petrophila
Thriving on neglect, Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed) is an upright perennial with large purple, thistle-like flower heads, 2 in. wide (5 cm), adorned with prominent outer florets from mid-summer to early fall. Attracting bees, butterflies, and other admirers, the bold blossoms appear atop sturdy stems above the foliage of pinnately lobed leaves. Native to Europe, Greater Knapweed self-seeds readily and can become invasive.
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Common names | Black Top, Knapweed |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
16" - 18" (40cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
| Common names | Black Top, Knapweed |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
16" - 18" (40cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
How many Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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