Centaurea montana

[ height 32 in., flower violet blue, sun, spreader ]

MOUNTAIN BLUET Silvery white foliage when young. Solitary blue flower heads are highlighted by bracts with black fringed margins. Repeat bloom is achieved by dead heading to lateral buds. After flowering is finished, cut the spent flowering stalks to the ground for a likely rebloom in late summer. Since only a few flowers open at any one time, use mass plantings for the best floral effect. Prefers poor soil and a high PH. Spreading roots can become invasive in cooler northern gardens.