Centaurea montana Amethyst in Snow
USPPAF, COPF
"Perennial Bachelor's Button"

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BENEFITS
A beautiful and striking new flower color for this familiar, sturdy perennial.

The root of the genus name Centaurea is centaur, which is Greek for healing. In Greek mythology, Chiton the Centaur used plants of this genus to heal his wounded foot. Although we haven't used this plant for this purpose, it has certain soothing properties for the garden. The flowers are reminiscent of the annual Bachelor Buttons, thus giving rise to its common name

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Lovely bicolor flower. Silky white, tubular petals radiate from royal purple centers in mid-May to mid-June. Silvery green foliage forms dense, substantial masses.

LOCATION
Full sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9; AHS Heat Zones 9 to 1. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

USE
Front to middle of sunny perennial border. Interesting and unusual as a cut flower with moderate vase life.

SIZE
14" tall to 28" wide Use 2 plants per square yard.

CULTURE
Grows best in well-drained, alkaline soil. Remove spent flowers to encourage repeat bloom. Cut back in fall. Water just enough to maintain slightly moist conditions, especially in first year. Divide in fall, or as necessary to control spread. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.