Perennial cornflower 'Purple Heart' Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'
ABOUT
The mountain coneflower is a hardy herbaceous perennial with purple-eyed flowers surrounded by long white florets, from late spring into summer. It is mound forming and rhizomatous, has lance-shaped grey-green leaves which are hairy underneath, sometimes toothed or lobed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mountain Bluet, Perennial Cornflower, Great Blue-Bottle, Mountain Knapweed, Mountain Centaury
Common names
Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a vibrant splash of purple to gardens with its characteristic 'Purple Heart' flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for low-water gardens or areas with water restrictions.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for those with limited time for gardening.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to browsing by deer, which can be particularly valuable in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Long Blooming: Offers a lengthy blooming period from late spring to summer, providing prolonged interest in the garden.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Hardiness: Hardy in many climates and capable of surviving through winter in many zones with minimal protective measures.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection without additional cost.
- Naturalizing: Has the ability to naturalize or spread in the garden, creating a more organic and evolving landscape.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Centaurea montana has been traditionally used as a diuretic, which can help promote the removal of excess water from the body.
- Astringent: The plant is known to possess astringent properties, which can help in toning the skin and reducing bleeding in minor cuts and abrasions.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and possibly provide relief from conditions like rheumatism.
- Antiseptic: Historically, it has been used for its antiseptic properties, potentially useful for cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart', commonly known as mountain bluet, can be used as a natural fabric dye, giving textiles a range of purple and blue hues.
- When dried, the petals of the mountain bluet can be incorporated into potpourris for a decorative and subtly fragrant addition to home décor.
- The plant can contribute to a wildlife-friendly garden, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other insects.
- Mountain bluet can be used in floristry as a cut flower in bouquets and arrangements for its unique color and form.
- The dried seed heads of the mountain bluet can be used artistically in dried flower arrangements or crafts for their interesting texture and shape.
- Mature plants can be divided and used as a natural means to propagate more plants, serving as an eco-friendly method of garden expansion.
- Its striking appearance can be utilized in photography projects or botanical illustrations for its aesthetic appeal.
- Mountain bluet can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of various vegetables by attracting beneficial insects.
- The plant can serve as an education tool in schools or nature programs to teach about the lifecycle of perennial plants and pollinator attractions.
- It can act as a visual barrier within gardens when planted en masse, creating a natural partition with its dense foliage and flowering height.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain bluet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain bluet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Devotion: The 'Purple Heart' in the name of Centaurea montana could symbolize deep love and endless devotion, reflecting the intensity of the color purple in the realm of emotions.
- Nobility: Purple is historically associated with royalty and nobility, suggesting that this plant carries an air of dignity and regal presence.
- Courage and Bravery: Centaurea takes part of its name from the centaur Chiron in Greek mythology, who was known for his wisdom and bravery, hinting that the plant embodies these heroic qualities.
- Healing: Considering Chiron's association with medicinal knowledge, Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart' may symbolize healing and the power of nature to remedy ailments.
WaterThe Mountain Bluet should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 inch of water should suffice, but this may vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to maintain moisture levels. It's best to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and often, to encourage deep root growth. Adjust watering based on rainfall, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightThe Mountain Bluet thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. The ideal spot would be one where it can enjoy the morning sun and be protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureMountain Bluet can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, meaning it can survive minimum temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, especially if not adequately watered.
PruningPruning Mountain Bluet promotes healthy growth and prevents the center of the plant from becoming too woody and sparse. After the first bloom in late spring or early summer, cut back the spent flowers to encourage a second bloom. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering, and light shaping can be done as needed to maintain the plant's desired form. Additionally, cutting back the plant in late fall or early winter can help prepare it for the upcoming growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Mountain Bluet 'Purple Heart', the best soil mix is well-draining with added organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, is optimal for its growth.
RepottingMountain Bluet 'Purple Heart' typically does not require frequent repotting; repot every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its container, which is less common with this perennial.
Humidity & MistingMountain Bluet 'Purple Heart' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and thrives best in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mountain Bluet in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, enrich soil with compost.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name of Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart' is Mountain Bluet. Its life cycle begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm. Once sprouted, the seedling grows rapidly, developing a rosette of leaves at the base. As the plant matures, it sends up flowering stems in late spring to early summer, which bear striking purplish-blue flowers with silvery-green foliage. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Eventually, the plant dies back in winter, becoming dormant, only to regrow from its hardy rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart', commonly known as Mountain Cornflower, is often propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or autumn. The most popular method involves carefully lifting the parent plant from the ground and gently separating it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system intact. This can be done by using a sharp knife or spade to divide the root clump into pieces, each with at least one shoot and associated roots. These divisions are then planted into prepared soil at the same depth they were growing previously and watered thoroughly. With proper care, these new plants will establish themselves, leading to a successful propagation.
