Centaurea triumfettii
Centaurea triumfettii is a compact, alpine‑leaning perennial cornflower related to C. montana. Plants carry blue to violet, fringed flower heads above narrow, often felted leaves. It performs best in full sun and sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soils. Use it in rock gardens or the front of dry borders where winters are cold and soils do not stay wet.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Perennial cornflower
- Height × spread: 12 to 24 in (30 to 60 cm) × 12 to 24 in (30 to 60 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to early summer
- Color & flower form: blue to violet; fringed florets with paler centers
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: unknown / varies by subspecies and climate
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- More compact and neater than C. montana
- Suited to rock gardens and thin, chalky soils
- Narrower leaves and often more than one head per stem
- Prefers drier conditions with excellent drainage
Strengths
- Cold‑tolerant where soil stays dry in winter
- Performs in poor, alkaline soils
- Attractive to pollinators
Care in one minute
- Provide full sun and sharp drainage; raised beds or scree are ideal.
- Soil: neutral to alkaline; avoid heavy clay without grit.
- Water sparingly once established.
- Deadhead to keep plants compact and reduce self‑seeding.
- Divide or replant to maintain vigor if clumps decline.
Watch‑outs
- Resents wet winter soils
- May languish in hot, humid summers
- Hardiness varies among subspecies; verify locally
Best uses (tags)
borders, rock gardens, pollinators, cottage
Provenance note
A species of the western Alps and surrounding regions; accepted by Kew with several subspecies grown in gardens.
References
- Kew Plants of the World Online – Centaurea triumfettii
- RHS – Centaurea triumfettii (subsp. stricta) details
- World Flora Online – Centaurea triumfettii
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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