Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'
knapweed
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Purple-eyed flowerheads, each with a ruff of long white florets, form throughout the summer above the clumps of grey-green foliage, creating easy-going groundcover that will thrive in a sunny spot. It's ideal for a more naturalised setting - and the bees and butterflies love it too. - Garden care: Stake with brushwood or bamboo canes before the flowers appear. Cut back to the ground after flowering and you may get a second flush of flowers. Lift and divide large clumps every three years in spring.