Centaurea montana

gwilty

Beautiful flowers and I have had long, repeat showings since it was planted three years ago, in what I consider to be a tough place in the garden, due to competition from other plants and lack of light. There is a lot of leaf for what might be considered rather delicate flowers though.

That said, I find it pretty much indestructible, and I'm ruthless with non-flowering stems.

I've used the flowers indoors this year and they seem quite happy in a vase

RosaSeagull

I have had large clumps of this Mountain Cornflower for years, and this year for the first time ever, they's succumbed to some sort of sticky blight and look dreadful. Anyone know what might have caused this, or how to treat it organically?

RosaSeagull

Sorry! Must correct the aberrant grammar in my previous post: 'they's succumbed ...' should of course read '... they've succumbed...'

toftsie

We have this lovely plant in our garden and I deadhead regularly taking quite a lot of stem at the same time - but I shall certainly be cutting out non-flowering shoots from now on as has been commented on the thread, it does have quite a lot of leaf - but very attractive and the bees just love it.

gavinjonez

Wow, I love this flower. I had never seen it until last night! Just reading the other comment re: a vase... That would look unreal on the kitchen table! Thanks heaps... Gav

jomather

hi, this plant has been in my garden since i bought the house several years ago and i've only found out what it is, could some one please tell me the best way to divide them as i would like more of these lovely plants .......

*Mrs H*

This plant is so easy to divide. Just lift a clump and you will see that you can easily separate it. The divided plants will re-establish surprisingly quickly.

When the flowers fade, the leaves often succumb to a powdery mildew. I recommend cutting the plants right back. They will flower again later in the summer.

This is a great plant! Highly recommended.

*Mrs H*

I meant to give the plant five stars, but am inept! Fingers crossed it works this time!

Bookertoo

My friend grow them on her allotment, not only because they look lovely, which they do, but they also encourage lots of pollinators for other crops. Such a glorious shade of blue.

ljunkan

A useful and lovely plant.

grannyanne

I remember these in the garden when I was a child, so was delighted when a friend gave me a division of hers. They respond very well to Chelsea chopping, producing a second flush of beautiful flowers. Wouldn't be without it!

flowering rose

I have grown this plant for years in my heavey clay soil,it is such a hardy plant and if you dead head it regurlary it flowers for months.you can take cuttings or divide up to make more plants.lovely for a border that needs not to much height.