Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream'
Amethyst Dream Mountain Cornflower
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 14 to 20 inches
- Width
- 27 to 30 inches
- Flower color
- Royal purple
- Foliage color
- Silvery-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Average; drought-tolerant at maturity
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant
About this plant
Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream', commonly known as Mountain Cornflower, is an herbaceous perennial native to European mountainous regions. This cultivar is notable for its vibrant royal-purple, thistle-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
The plant features softly haired, silver-green foliage that provides an attractive contrast to its deep purple blooms. 'Amethyst Dream' is distinguished from other cultivars by its unique "shingled" buds that open into showy flowers, and its compact form makes it suitable for borders, beds, and containers.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
