Diffuse Knapweed
Centaurea diffusa
Also Known As - White KnapweedWatering:
Minimal
Hardiness Zone:
Sun:
full sun
Growth Rate:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Long Spine Sandbur should be watered when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. This species of plant should be watered deeply once a week, preferably in the morning. To ensure that the water is penetrating the roots, sprinkle it at the base of the plant. It is important not to overwater this species, as it is more prone to root rot and other problems associated with wet soil. If you are unsure, feel free to let the soil dry out a bit more than usual between watering sessions.
sunlight
Long Spine Sandbur (Cenchrus longispinus) prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, Long Spine Sandbur will benefit from some afternoon shade on particularly hot days. Long Spine Sandbur can tolerate short-term drought, but should be watered regularly to prevent any long-term wilting.
pruning
Pruning of Long Spine Sandbur should be done every year in the late winter or early spring. The goal of pruning is to thicken the plant's stems and encourage more branching, making it look bushy and fuller. It's best to remove any dead or damaged stems and if you desire, lightly prune the healthy stems to a height of 3 to 4 inches. However, do not prune too severely, or the plant can suffer from plant shock. Be sure to check the plants periodically during the growing season for maintenance pruning. If needed, cut back any leggy-looking stems that are significantly taller than the rest of the plant.
