White Mountain Bluet Centaurea montana 'Alba'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as White Mountain Bluet is a captivating perennial with a distinct appearance, characterized by its showy, white flowers. These blossoms resemble fluffy, oversized daisies with a unique twist, as they feature frilly and often slightly curved petals surrounding a central tuft of smaller, feathery florets. This central tuft, sometimes with a hint of creamy or pale yellow, stands in beautiful contrast against the white petals that radiate outward. The lush foliage of White Mountain Bluet forms an attractive backdrop to its striking flowers. The leaves are typically deep green, lending a rich, verdant look to the plant. They are often lance-shaped, providing a textural contrast with their somewhat rough surface, which can vary from mildly to densely hairy. The pairing of the vivid green leaves and the stark white blooms creates an eye-catching display in any garden setting. Overall, the plant exhibits a clumping habit, with the flowers held aloft on stems that rise above the main body of foliage. This structure allows the White Mountain Bluet to serve as a visual highlight in a garden setting, as its flowers can appear to float above the surrounding plants. It's a picturesque species that adds a splash of brightness and a sense of softness to the landscape, drawing in viewers with its delicate yet prominent blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Mountain Bluet, White Mountain Knapweed, White Perennial Cornflower
Common names
Centaurea montana 'Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Perennial Cornflower 'Alba' is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is not commonly listed among poisonous plants. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially occur, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption as a precaution.
To pets
Perennial Cornflower 'Alba' is not commonly known to be toxic to pets either. It is not listed among the plants that are typically harmful to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. However, it's always prudent to prevent pets from ingesting this or any other ornamental plants since they could possibly cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Centaurea montana 'Alba', also known as White Mountain Bluet, produces beautiful white flowers that add elegance to garden settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: It helps in attracting bees and butterflies, which are essential for plant pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of low water availability, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not preferred by deer, which helps to keep the garden intact in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Works as Ground Cover: Its foliage can spread to form an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Long Bloom Period: White Mountain Bluet has a relatively long flowering season, providing visual interest for an extended time.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their display without additional cost.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other ornamental plants, it tends to remain contained within its designated area.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Centaurea montana 'Alba' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding unique hues depending on the mordant used.
- Educational tool: This plant species can be employed as an educational tool in botanical studies to explain plant biology and hybridization.
- Photography subject: Its delicate white blooms provide an attractive subject for botanical photography and nature-inspired art.
- Culinary decoration: Though not widely recognized as an edible, its petals can be used as decorative garnishes on salads and desserts.
- Crafts: Dried flowers of Centaurea montana 'Alba' can be incorporated into dried flower arrangements and potpourris.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for weddings and other celebrations.
- Bookmark creation: Pressed flowers from the plant can be used to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Natural pest repellent: While not its primary use, some gardeners use it as a companion plant to deter certain pests naturally.
- Garden design: Used to create a 'moon garden', where white and light-reflecting plants are used to glow in the evening light.
- Art supplies: Petals can be processed into a pigment for use in watercolor or other natural plant-based paints.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Mountain Bluet is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Mountain Bluet is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devotion: The Centaurea montana 'Alba', commonly known as Perennial Cornflower or Mountain Bluet, is often associated with steadfastness and a deep sense of loyalty, reflecting the plant's behavior of returning loyally each year.
- Love and Admiration: Its attractive blooms and ability to flourish can represent a blooming admiration or the beauty of a loved one.
- Healing: Historically, various Centaurea species were used for medicinal purposes, making it symbolic of healing and wellbeing.
- Delicacy: The delicate petals of the Perennial Cornflower may represent fragility or a gentle nature.
WaterThe mountain bluet needs moderate watering, typically around 1 inch per week, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil for dryness and water thoroughly if it feels dry to the touch. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency, but always allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to avoid root rot. Overhead watering is effective, but take care not to wet the foliage excessively, which can lead to disease. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightMountain bluet thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you are in a particularly hot climate, providing afternoon shade can prevent stress on the plant while still ensuring it gets plenty of light.
TemperatureMountain bluet performs well within a broad range of temperatures but prefers cooler climates. The plant can survive winter temperatures down to around 0 degrees Fahrenheit but struggles in prolonged heat, especially above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning mountain bluet is important to maintain its shape and encourage more vigorous growth. Deadhead spent blossoms to promote additional blooming and cut back the plant by about one-third after the first flush of flowers to tidy it up and potentially trigger a second bloom. The best time to prune for shaping is in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain bluet prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A mix of loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure will help to provide the nutrients needed. Additionally, ensuring good drainage is crucial, so consider adding perlite or grit to the mix if your soil is heavy or clay-like. The ideal pH range for Mountain bluet is between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingMountain bluet, or perennial cornflower, generally does not require frequent repotting. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when it is evident that the plant has outgrown its current container. During the repotting process, it's an excellent opportunity to divide clumps if they become too crowded to encourage further growth.
Humidity & MistingMountain bluet is adaptable to a range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It thrives in the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments. In fact, excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so it's best grown in conditions where there is good air circulation to prevent such issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mountain bluet near a sunny window and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Grow Mountain bluet in sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cyclePerennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana 'Alba') begins its life as a seed, which, after a period of dormancy, germinates in the soil under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The germinated seed develops into a seedling, exhibiting initial leaf growth as it establishes a root system. As the plant matures, it grows into a leafy structure known as a rosette at ground level, storing energy for subsequent blooming. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, with white blossoms distinguishable from the more common blue flowers of the species. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds, which are distributed by wind, allowing the plant to propagate itself. Finally, the plant enters a period of senescence at the end of the growing season, though the root system remains alive to regenerate the next year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Mountain Bluet 'Alba' is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or early fall. During this process, gardeners carefully lift the plant from the ground with a spade and then gently split the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and roots. It is important to keep these divisions moist and to replant them at the same depth they were growing previously. After planting, the divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish them in their new location. While the plant can also be grown from seed, division is the preferred method as it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and results in quicker establishment.
