Wild, romantic mountain knapweed inspires the imagination for a natural garden design. This profile explains why this is the case. Get to know the convincing attributes of the native perennial here, which, with its undemanding care, brings joy to gardening beginners and experts alike.
What are the characteristics of mountain knapweed?
The mountain knapweed (Centaurea montana) is a perennial, hardy perennial from the daisy family. It grows in European mountains and prefers sunny to partially shaded locations. Its characteristic features are its lanceolate, hairy leaves and loose, fringed flowers in blue, white or purple, which appear from May to July.
Origin and characteristics – profile configured for hobby gardeners
The following profile attempts to present the outstanding attributes of the mountain knapweed that are of interest to the hobby gardener. If data is known, such as origin, growth habit, location preferences and winter hardiness, the decision about inclusion in the planting plan is easier.
- Plant family Asteraceae
- Name of the species: Mountain knapweed (Centaurea montana or Cyanus montanus)
- Areas of distribution: in European mountains up to 2200 meters as well as in meadows and on the edges of forests
- Growth habit: herbaceous, perennial flowering shrub with a height of 20 to 40 cm
- Flowers: blue, white, violet fringed, loose flowers
- Flowering period: May to July
- Leaves: lanceolate, green, entire, hairy
- Winter hardiness: hardy down to -40 degrees Celsius, suitable for winter hardiness zone 3
- Location preferences: sunny to partially shaded with fresh, moist, nutrient-rich soil
- Use: beds with wild herbaceous character, cottage garden, edge of trees, borders, cut flowers
The mountain knapweed cannot deny its close relationship to cornflowers. The similarity is of course limited to the appearance. In contrast to the annual cornflower, the mountain knapweed impresses with its robust winter hardiness and a wide range of location options. The perennial surprises many mountain hikers with its blue flowers far above the tree line.
Beautiful varieties for more color diversity in the bed
As the profile suggests, the color palette is not limited to the bright blue of the pure variety. The high appreciation for mountain knapweed has led skilled breeders to create the following varieties:
- 'Jordy' impresses with purple to black flowers and delicate foliage
- 'Alba' boasts pure white flake flowers that contrast wonderfully with blue flowers of the pure variety
- 'Carnea' sets the scene with delicate pink flowers that smell seductively of peaches
Are you on the lookout for a majestic mountain knapweed? Then we would like to recommend the impressive new breed 'Merel' to you. The flower stretches more than 60 cm towards the sky to present its purple fringed flowers.
Tip
In the vase, mountain knapweed spreads a rural flair in living rooms. Cut those stems early in the morning whose flowers have just opened. If you leave about 10 cm of the flower stalk standing, the plant will sprout again.
