Plants > Perennials

greater knapweed

Centaurea scabiosa

Pollinator FriendlyLow Maintenance

Genus: Centaurea
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: black top

About this plant

C. scabiosa is an upright perennial to 75cm, with pinnately lobed leaves and reddish-purple flowers heads to 5cm across, usually with enlarged outer florets

Growing Information

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 Metres

Hardiness

H6

Foliage

Deciduous

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full SunPartial Shade

Soil

ClayChalkLoamSandy

pH

Acid

Not Currently Available

This plant is not currently stocked at any garden centres on our platform.

Alkaline

Neutral

Moisture

Poorly Drained

Aspect

East FacingWest FacingNorth FacingSouth Facing

Exposure

ShelteredExposed

Care Guide

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Tolerant of dry, alkaline soils and established plants are tolerant of considerable neglect. Self-seeds readily and can become invasive

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Pests

Generally pest free. Resistant to browsing by deer

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

Garden Uses

Uses

Banks SlopesWildflower Meadow

Season of Interest

SpringSummerAutumn

Size & Characteristics

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 Metres

Habit

Clump Forming

Time to Full Height

Five To Ten Years