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:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Meadow Knapweed is a drought-tolerant plant, so it does not require frequent watering. However, during the plant's first year, it should be watered as often as necessary to keep the soil moist and the plant healthy. During the first few weeks, water the plant 3 times a week, and during the summer, water once or twice a week. Once the plant is established, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once every 2 weeks. Make sure to water the plant deeply, soaking the soil and getting it to the root to ensure plenty of water for the plant.

sunlight

Meadow Knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii) requires full sun for optimal growth. If it receives partial shade, it may not flower as abundantly. The plant should be given a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during the summer months of June, July, and August. During the other months of the year, the plant should get at least 4 hours of sunlight daily.

pruning

Meadow knapweed should be pruned in the spring and again in the fall. In the spring, prune back the dead and damaged stems to the base of the plant to encourage new growth. In the fall, cut back the stems to just above a strong bud, leaving the flowering stems intact. This will help ensure a healthy, robust bush the following spring. Properly pruned plants will have plentiful blooms the following year.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.