knapweed
Centaurea montana
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Knapweed (Centaurea montana) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, pollinator gardens, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer rarely make it their first choice. It forms a clump of gray-green leaves with blue flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It grows fast, and it handles dry spells well.
Pairs well with Columbine, Lanceleaf coreopsis, and Caramel coral bells.
Native range
Europe and NW. Balkan Pen..