Species Common Centaury
pink flowers with yellow center, dark-pink buds, green leaves and stems

Common Centaury

Centaurium erythraea

Also Known As - European Centaury
Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) is an erect, low-growing, annual plant native to Europe. It has small, bright-pink flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers are four-petalled and the plant has bright-green stems and fine, needle-like leaves. In bloom, it is a spectacular sight in dry and sunny habitats. It is a useful medicinal plant and has been used in traditional herbal medicine for many centuries. Common Centaury has also been used as a dye for clothes and paint, and is now a popular garden plant. With its bright pink blooms, it is an attractive addition to the garden and a vibrant wildflower meadow.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) plants should be watered thoroughly but not too often. During the growing season, water 1-2 times a week and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. In the winter months, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks. In very hot weather, water more frequently, and make sure to water the soil deeply.

sunlight

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) plants grow best when exposed to full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. They do best when planted in well-drained soil in a sunny location. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade will lead to weak, spindly growth. It is best to plant Common Centaury in a sheltered spot where it will be exposed to direct sunlight during the day.

pruning

Common Centaury should be pruned lightly, if at all, in the early spring before the growing season starts. Pruning too late in the season can reduce or eliminate blooming in the following year. Long-term pruning should not be done and a light annual prune is all that is necessary. If pruning is done, remove up to 1-third of the plant's current growth. Removing too much could put excessive stress on the plant.