Mountain cornflower 1.5L

Mountain cornflower – A reliable perennial with a unique color

Mountain cornflower (Centaurea montana) is an extremely decorative and easy-to-grow perennial, distinguished by beautiful sapphire-blue flowers with delicate purple accents. Its characteristic, spider-like inflorescences attract butterflies and bees, and its silvery-green, hairy leaves decorate beds throughout the season. Thanks to its hardiness and long flowering, it is an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, perennial beds and borders.

Main features of mountain cornflower

Flowers

• Colour: Intense blue with a purple center.
• Shape: Delicate, "spidery" inflorescences with subtly jagged petals.
• Flowering period: May–July, and after pruning, it can bloom again in September.
• Decorativeness: It attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

List

• Colour: Silvery-green, slightly hairy, with an elongated shape.
• Seasonality: Semi-evergreen – in warmer regions, some of the leaves may persist in winter.
• Decorativeness: They form compact clumps that blend in well with other perennials.

Cut

• Form: A compact, tufted perennial.
• Height: 30–50 cm, including flowers.
• Width: It grows 40–60 cm, forming dense clumps.

Cultivation requirements of mountain cornflower

Location and soil

• Position: Full sun or partial shade – it may bloom less well in the shade.
• Soil: Permeable, moderately moist to dry, preferably sandy loam.
• Humidity: It tolerates drought, but grows best in moderately moist soil.

Watering and fertilizing

• Watering: Limited – it does well in dry summer conditions.
• Fertilization: It does not require intensive fertilization, in spring you can use compost or compound fertilizer.

Care

• Trimming: After the first flowering, it is worth cutting the flower shoots, which will stimulate the plant to bloom again in autumn.
• Reproduction: By dividing the clumps in early spring or autumn.
• Wintering: Fully frost hardy (zone 3–8), does not require additional protection for the winter.

The use of mountain cornflower

Flower beds and garden compositions

• Perennial beds: It goes well with poppies, rudbeckias, sage and ornamental grasses.
• Naturalistic gardens: Ideal for flower meadows and English-style gardens.

Edging and paths

• It is perfect for bed edges and along paths, where it creates a natural border.

Rock gardens and dry sites

• Thanks to its drought resistance, it is suitable for rock gardens and sandy soils.

Plant for pollinators

• The flowers attract pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.

Plant Specifications

• Flower pot: 1.5 liters
• Age: 2 years old
  
• Frost resistance: Yes