Persian Cornflower
Centaurea dealsata
A clump-forming perennial with finely cut, grey-green leaves and thistle-like pink or purple flowers. The foliage has a soft, woolly texture when young.
- Light
- Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) for best flowering, though it can tolerate light partial shade.
- Water
- Moderate watering when establishing; once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial; grows in mounded clumps. Reaches 18-36 inches in height and about 24 inches in spread.
Care instructions
Low maintenance. Provide well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms and maintain a tidy shape.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) for best flowering, though it can tolerate light partial shade.
Watering
Moderate watering when establishing; once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
Requires well-draining soil. Thrives in sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5 to 7.5).
Hardiness zone
3 to 8
Growth habit
Perennial; grows in mounded clumps. Reaches 18-36 inches in height and about 24 inches in spread.
Bloom season
Late spring to early summer; features bright rose-pink to lavender thistle-like flower heads with white centers.
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn, or by sowing seeds in a cold frame during spring.
Common pests & issues
Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
Similar species
Centaurea montana (Mountain Bluet) — C. montana has blue flowers and larger leaves; Centaurea nigra — has more aggressive growth and smaller, less showy flowers.