Centaurea montana Gold Bullion
USPP # 10,865, COPF
" Perennial Bachelor's Button"

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BENEFITS
Chartreuse foliage gives year round interest. Nicely contrasting dark blue flowers.

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
Deep blue flowers form on upright stems in late spring, early summer. Spreads rapidly to form a lovely carpet of golden yellow foliage from spring to fall.

LOCATION
Full sun to partial shade. USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8; AHS Heat Zones 9 to 1. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

USE
Nice for the front of informal borders or beds. Flowers useful fresh or dried. 'Gold Bullion' features yellow to chartreuse foliage, which contrast nicely against plants with darker foliage like Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Anemone and Ornamental Grasses.

SIZE
12" to 15" tall by 18" wide. Use 3 to 4 plants per square yard.

CULTURE
'Gold Bullion' prefers average well-drained soils. Avoid soggy, wet areas. Moist organic soils will promote spread. Grow in a confined space or divide plants in spring or fall every two years to limit spread. Remove spent flower heads to encourage rebloom. The occasional dark green plant should be dug out when seen. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.