Mountain Bluet Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream' (PBR)
ABOUT
The 'Amethyst Dream' mountain bluet is a stunning perennial known for its striking blooms and attractive foliage. The flowers are the most captivating feature, characterized by their deep purple petals with a velvety texture which are framed by a crown of delicate, feathery bracts that provide a contrasting silvery-blue hue, giving them a fringed appearance. The blooms are frequently visited by bees and butterflies, making them a lively addition to any garden space. Beneath the flowers, the foliage forms a mound of slightly hairy leaves, with a lance-shaped to oblong form, adding to the overall texture of the plant. These leaves are a bright green color, creating a lush backdrop for the intense purple flowers. The combination of the striking flowers and the vibrant foliage makes 'Amethyst Dream' mountain bluet a noteworthy choice for those looking to add a splash of color and interest to their flowering borders or garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mountain Bluet, Perennial Bachelor's Button, Mountain Knapweed, Amethyst Dream Cornflower
Common names
Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Mountain Bluet is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence nor common reports of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, and it is generally not recommended to consume ornamental plants.
To pets
Mountain Bluet is not commonly known to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. While it is not intended for consumption, incidental ingestion of small quantities is unlikely to cause serious harm. However, if a pet consumes large amounts of the plant, gastrointestinal upset could potentially occur, as with any non-food plant ingestion. If you notice any signs of illness in your pet after ingestion, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you should consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires less water, making it suitable for dry climate gardens or water-conservative landscaping.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is low maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Colorful Blooms: It features vibrant amethyst-colored flowers that add a burst of color to the garden in spring and early summer.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As it dies back in winter and returns each spring, it provides a dependable structure to the garden year after year.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Its traditional appearance is perfect for creating or complementing a classic cottage garden aesthetic.
- Rabbit Resistant: It's less palatable to rabbits, offering an added degree of protection in areas where wildlife browsing can be a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of the Mountain Bluet can be used to produce a natural dye, which offers a range of blue and purple hues for textiles and craft projects.
- Photography: Due to its striking appearance, the Mountain Bluet can be an excellent subject for botanical photographers or nature-themed art projects.
- Garden Borders: Mountain Bluet can serve as an eye-catching border plant in garden designs, complementing other perennials or defining walkways and edges.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly known for its edibility, the petals of Mountain Bluet can be used as a decorative and possibly edible garnish for certain dishes to add color.
- Craft Supplies: Dried flowers of the Mountain Bluet could be used for crafting, such as in potpourri mixtures or as natural confetti for eco-friendly events.
- Paper Making: When making handmade paper, incorporating small bits of Mountain Bluet petals can add texture, color, and interest to the final product.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique color and form of Mountain Bluet can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, influencing various artworks from paintings to textiles.
- Fairy Gardens: This plant is ideal for incorporating into whimsical fairy gardens due to its vibrant colors and attractive flower heads.
- Theme Gardens: Mountain Bluet can be included in 'moon gardens', where all the plants have white or light-colored blooms that reflect the moonlight, adding a splash of color among the lighter tones.
- Educational Tools: In botanical studies, the plant can be used to teach about pollination and the importance of perennial plants in native ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant known as Amethyst Dream is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant known as Amethyst Dream is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Devotion: The Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream,' commonly known as Mountain Cornflower, often symbolizes love and devotion due to its persistent flowering and hardy nature. The deep purple hue of 'Amethyst Dream' enhances the association with deep and enduring affection.
- Refinement and Elegance: Mountain Cornflower, like many other flowers with a rich and vivid color palette, is associated with refinement and elegance. Its 'Amethyst Dream' variety, with its striking purple flowers, exemplifies sophistication and an appreciation for beauty.
- Hope: As a wildflower that thrives in challenging environments, the Mountain Cornflower signifies hope and the belief in overcoming obstacles. The brightness of the 'Amethyst Dream' bloom is seen as a beacon of positivity.
WaterThe Mountain Cornflower should be watered deeply but infrequently, promoting strong root growth. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry, which for many gardens is approximately once a week, although this can vary depending on temperature and soil conditions. Use enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. During extremely hot or dry periods, you may need to increase watering to twice per week. Be sure not to overwater; these plants are somewhat drought tolerant and do not like soggy soil.
LightMountain Cornflower thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also perform well with some afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this will affect the plant's vigor and flowering potential.
TemperatureMountain Cornflower prefers moderate temperatures and can typically withstand a range in Fahrenheit of about -20 degrees to 80 degrees for short periods. However, its ideal growing conditions are between 60 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat, ensuring that it doesn’t get too hot in the peak of summer.
PruningMountain Cornflower benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage additional blooming. Deadheading throughout the blooming season can help promote more flowers. It's also advisable to cut back the plant in late fall or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and stimulate new growth. Pruning every year or every other year is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain bluet 'Amethyst Dream' requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for providing the necessary drainage and nutrients. Ensure organic matter is incorporated to enhance soil fertility and structure.
RepottingMountain bluet 'Amethyst Dream' typically does not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repotting is necessary only when the plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes exhausted, generally every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingMountain bluet 'Amethyst Dream' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity. It thrives outdoors where the natural airflow and environment regulate humidity, and no special humidity adjustments are typically required.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe perennial plant known as Mountain Bluet or 'Amethyst Dream' begins its life as a seed that germinates in the early spring, given the right conditions of moisture and temperature. As a young plant, it establishes a rosette of leaves at the soil level, from which it sends up flowering stems in late spring to early summer. The flowers are a deep purple or amethyst color, attracting a variety of pollinators, after which the plant sets seed. The seeds may drop to the ground and self-sow, creating new plants nearby. After flowering, the plant can go into a period of dormancy, especially in hot summers or climates, but will typically have a foliage presence throughout the growing season. In late autumn or winter, the plant dies back to the ground to overwinter, resuming its growth cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream', commonly known as the perennial cornflower, is a favorite among gardeners for its vivid purple flowers and hardy nature. The prime time for its propagation is in late spring to early summer. One of the most popular methods of propagation for perennial cornflower is by division. To propagate the plant by division, carefully dig up an established plant after it has finished flowering. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure that each division has a good root system and several shoots. Then, immediately replant the divisions into well-prepared soil at the same depth they were growing previously, ensuring each new plant has ample space for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them, providing about 1 inch (approximately 2.5 centimeters) of water per week, unless there is sufficient rain.
