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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Centaurea montana 'Amethyst Dream'

Amethyst Dream Mountain Cornflower

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Average; drought-tolerant at maturity

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)