Centaurea montana Amethyst in Snow

Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow' is a recent creation derived from the perennial cornflower, a well-known and hardy plant that forms beautiful clumps of grey-green and woolly foliage. In early summer, it produces delicious heads with satin-white flowers surrounding a purple-violet centre, giving them a precious appearance reminiscent of fine jewellery. It thrives in sun and partial shade, tolerates ordinary soil, and prefers moist soil, although it can occasionally withstand drought and poor soil conditions.

Native to the mountains of Europe, Centaurea montana is a herbaceous perennial plant in the aster family, cultivated in gardens for a long time.  The 'Amethyst in Snow' variety, from which it originates, has similar deciduous foliage, pubescent, giving it a woolly appearance, especially on the underside of the leaves. It forms spreading clumps, reaching a height of 40 cm (16in) when in flower, 20 cm (8in) for the foliage, and 30 cm (12in) wide, or even wider with age, thanks to its trailing rhizomes. Its leaves are 5 to 6 cm (2in) long, lanceolate in shape, and a green colour tinged with grey. Flowers occurs from June to August, revealing the uniqueness of this selection. It produces large, flared heads with two colours, an amethyst violet centre surrounded by white and satin petals, carried by stiff stems. It is a nectar-rich plant that produces high-calorie pollen, highly appreciated by pollinating insects, especially bumblebees.

The perennial cornflower needs no introduction, as it is an excellent and adaptable perennial plant with robust qualities, whose blue flowers have adorned many gardens for centuries. It grows everywhere, in heavy or light soils and in sun or shade.  Coming back into fashion, cornflowers are returning with infinitely refined new colours. 'Amethyst in Snow' pairs beautifully with dark-leaved heucheras and contrasts perfectly with golden-leaved Carex. It can be planted along borders, pathways, or lawns, and is perfect for creating lovely wildflower bouquets or drying its heads, which remain attractive for a long time.