Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed)
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.
- Grows up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in dry to mesic, well-drained soils. Tolerant to poor, alkaline soils.
- Good choice for wildlife gardens, prairies, and meadows.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed.
- Centaurea scabiosa is native to Europe, where it grows in dry grasslands, hedgerows, and cliffs on lime-rich soil.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Centaurea - Cornflowers |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 16" – 18" (40cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |
SajaSoft, 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 | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Centaurea - Cornflowers |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 16" – 18" (40cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Prairie and Meadow |