Centaurea montana Caramia

Centaurea 'Caramia' is part of these new hybrids of mountain cornflower that revisit this robust perennial so widespread in gardens. The fringed flowers of 'Caramia' are true pink cornflowers and beautifully swirling. They bloom in large numbers from late spring and continue throughout summer if the soil remains moist and faded flowers are removed. The reputation of the mountain cornflower is well established: it grows everywhere, in heavy or light soils, in the sun or in partial shade. Once out of fashion, it is making a strong comeback with new colours that are hard to resist!

Spontaneous in the mountains of Europe, Centaurea montana is an herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. It develops from trailing rhizomes. This medicinal and ornamental plant has been cultivated for a long time in all gardens where it self-seeds spontaneously. It prefers limestone and clayey soil with a rocky tendency. Its deciduous foliage falls in winter. Through hybridisation with other species, it has created many interesting varieties, such as 'Caramia'.

'Caramia' has foliage that differs slightly from that of the mountain cornflower: it is less hairy and slightly less grey. The plant forms bushy clumps, 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) tall when in bloom (30cm (12in) for the foliage), and at least 40cm (16in) wide. Its upright stems carry leaves that are 5 to 6cm (2in) long, lanceolate in shape, with entire margins, and a green colour tinged with grey. Flowering takes place from spring to summer, lasting 2 to 3 months, earlier or later depending on the region. The decorative, dark brown floral bud is a head composed of tightly packed bracts, resembling a small artichoke. The originality of this selection lies in the appearance of the inflorescences, which are pink and swirling. These are large heads approximately 5cm (2in) in diameter, with a deep pinkish-purple centre, surrounded by longer florets, divided into slender lobes, of a lighter mauve-pink hue. It is a nectar-producing plant that produces high-calorie pollen, greatly appreciated by pollinating insects, especially bumblebees.

Centaurea 'Caramia' is a perfect perennial in a countryside setting or in a naturalistic bed. Highlight it against a background of Allium azureum. An historic ally of wild and romantic gardens, the mountain centaury is also highly appreciated in more contemporary compositions. It is well suited to a rock garden, where it can accompany helianthemums and Centranthus ruber. 'Caramia' pairs wonderfully with the blue flowers of the species, scabious, small thistles (Echinops ritro), or even the incredible blue of the wild chicory. It can also be accompanied by small grasses like Stipa or golden-leaved carex. It will find its place in a rock garden, and at the edge of beds, paths, or lawns. It can be used to create lovely countryside bouquets or to dry its long-lasting heads for decoration.