Centaurea montana 'Jordy'

Centaurea montana is a variable but attractive plant native to the mountain meadows and woodlands of continental Europe. It typically has grey-green, lance-shaped leaves and large, deep blue or violet flowers, borne in early summer. It grows best in a moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade.

Centaurea montana 'Jordy' is a wonderful variety, bearing large, informal plum-purple flowers from late spring to early summer. It looks great when planted with other colourful flowers, and contrasts beautifully with white blooms. The flowers are attractive to bees and the seedheads last well into autumn.

For best results grow Centaurea montana 'Jordy' in a sunny border in moist soil, and remove faded summer flowers to encourage a second flush in autumn.