Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Tolerant of poor soils. Can spread somewhat rapidly by stolons to form colonies in optimum growing conditions, particularly in rich fertile soils which should be avoided and in cool northern climates where it is more robust. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom. Sparse rebloom in late summer-early fall may occur. Plants need to be divided every 2-3 years.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Centaurea montana is an erect, stoloniferous, clump-forming perennial which features solitary, fringed, rich blue cornflowers (2" diameter) with reddish blue centers and black-edged involucre bracts. Flowers appear in late spring atop unbranched stems typically growing 1-2' tall. Gray-green, lance-shaped lower leaves to 7" long. Commonly called mountain bluet, perennial cornflower or perennial bachelor's button.
Genus name comes from the Greek word kentauros meaning centaur.
Specific epithet means pertaining to mountains.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Rust, aster yellows, stem rot and mildew are occasional problems.
Uses
Best massed in border fronts, cottage gardens or naturalized areas.