Common name: mountain bluet

Family name: Asteraceae

Description: leafy Centaurea with purple/blue flowers that arise from a base that resembles a globe artichoke–overlapping bracts that are edged with fine black hairs. foliage is a pleasant medium green. The plant forms a leafy mound with flowers large enough to be considered showy.

Flower: The petals are tubular and slender where they arise from the centre of the flower, but flare out at the tips. The flowers have an overall spikey, interesting appearance.

Foliage: medium green; lanceolate, with fine hairs all over the surface; slightly glossy.

Growing conditions: full sun to part shade, however, more sun gives more flowers; moderate water usage; well drained soil

Height and spread: 0.7m x 1.0m max.

Limitations: does well in Vancouver, but in drier climates, it becomes weedy

Landscape uses: attract beneficial insects, bedding plant, perennial border. The blue purple flowers would contrast nicely against a rocky wall or in a rock garden. Might look good with plants with an architectural appearance.