Centaurea macrocephala - Giant Knapweed
Availability: Out of stock
Centaurea macrocephala, or Giant Knapweed, is certainly not shy and retiring. This substantial perennial produces impressive golden-yellow, thistle-like flower heads, opening from distinctive rounded brown buds and standing proudly on strong, upright stems.
Growing to around 1-1.5 metres, it is a brilliant choice for adding height and a slightly wild, architectural quality to the middle or back of a sunny border. The bright yellow flowers look particularly striking amongst grasses and other herbaceous perennials, while a group planted together can make a real midsummer feature.
Giant Knapweed is also an excellent cutting plant. Its unusual blooms add texture and character to fresh arrangements, and the flower heads can be dried for longer-lasting displays. Tough, distinctive and refreshingly different, this is a perennial for gardeners who like their plants with plenty of personality.
Supplied in approx. 1 litre containers.
Stock notification
Grow Giant Knapweed in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. It is adaptable to chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils, making it an accommodating choice for many gardens. Water regularly while newly planted and during prolonged dry spells until well established. Its strong stems are naturally upright, although plants in particularly exposed positions may appreciate some support. Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering display, or leave some of the spent heads if you would like to enjoy their structural interest. Established clumps can be divided in spring or autumn when required.
There is a clue to this plant's impressive flowers hidden in its botanical name. Macrocephala means “large-headed”, a particularly appropriate description for those sizeable golden flower heads. The genus name Centaurea comes from the Greek kentauros, meaning centaur, linking this larger-than-life perennial to the centaurs of Greek mythology.