Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'

A particularly attractive form of Centaurea or cornflower, which bears flowers with a prominent purple centre surrounded by white florets, during early summer. The lance-shaped foliage is green-grey and creates a low mound beneath the upright flower stems.

'Purple Heart' flourishes in alkaline soils and south facing aspects which receive full sun. It prefers a well-drained soil but will tolerate poor drainage.

Cornflowers are perfect for a cottage garden setting and their flowers also cut well for floral decorations. After flowering the plant may begin to look untidy, cut it back hard to encourage fresh foliage and a second flush of flower.

Height x Spread: 40cm x 50cm