Scientific Name:
Psephellus dealbatus
( syn.
Centaurea dealbata
)
Pronunciation:
su-Fell-us dee-ul-BAY-tuss
Common Name:
Persian cornflower, knapweed
Family Name:
Asteraceae
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Key ID Features:
Basal leaf petioles 25-35cm long, blades pinnately-lobed, 30-45cm long x 10-15cm wide, irregularly to deeply divided (sometimes appearing as false leaflets but midrib blase tissue present at least near the apex), lower surface covered in silver hairs; flowering stem leaves alternate; flower heads appear shaggy, up to 5-8cm wide; florets commonly pinkish (less commonly bluish, purplish, or white).
Habit:
Upright
Form:
Oval - vertical
Texture:
Fine
Mature Height:
0.4 - 0.7m
Mature Spread:
0.3 - 0.6m
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Origin:
Central / west Asia (Caucasus Mountains)
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 3: (-40 to -34 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Water Use:
Moderate, Low
Landscape Uses:
Attract beneficial insects, Attract butterflies, Cut flower or foliage, Group or mass planting, Perennial border, Tall background, Woodland margin
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple, Lobed
Arrangement:
Alternate, Basal
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible, Pinnate venation
Surfaces:
Pubescent
Shapes:
Obovate
Margins:
Entire
Inflorescence Type:
Head (capitulum), Floriferous
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Corolla Shape:
Ligulate
Ovary Position:
Inferior
Colour (petals):
Showy, White, Blue, Violet, Purple, Pink
Flower Time at Peak:
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Fruit Type:
Achene
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Sep, Oct
Bark or Stem Colour:
Green
Propagation:
Seed, Division - below ground parts
Maintenance:
Low
Pest Susceptibility:
Aphids or adelgids, Blight or needle cast, Mildew, Mold, Rust (Rabbit resistant)
