CENTAUREA atropurpurea (C. benoistii)
Medium
Sun
Red
Well drained soil
Summer
Description
Height x Spread: 120cm x 50cm
Centaurea atropurpurea has deep red, thistle-like flowers during summer, held high on upright stems above a clump of deeply divided silver leaves.
An ideal plant for areas which are prone to drought - it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It is also tolerant of coastal salt spray. Plant in gravel gardens or seaside gardens, it will add height and look strikingly handsome in your flower beds and borders.
Rosy's Colour Picks
ERYNGIUM giganteum
This is a stunning Eryngium with large silver bracts surrounding white thistle flowers in summer.
ACHILLEA filipendulina 'Cloth of Gold'
In summer large, bright yellow flowers adorn this reliable, older variety of Yarrow, carried high on tall stems over fern-like green foliage.
SISYRINCHIUM striatum
Spikes of soft yellow flowers with darker centres are clustered vertically along upright stems with iris-like fans of pale grey-green leaves. Available for Mail Order from April - August
NEPETA grandiflora 'Summer Magic' PBR
This excellent variety would be an ideal substitute for a lavender hedge in soils where lavender does not thrive. It was a new introduction in 2013, launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.