Centaurea montana

Centaurea montana is a variable but attractive plant native to the mountain meadows and woodlands of continental Europe. It typically has grey-green, lance-shaped leaves and large, deep blue or violet flowers, borne in early summer. It grows best in a moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade.
It bears purple spidery flowerheads with a violet-purple centre. It’s perfect for growing in sunny borders and gravel gardens. It’s easy-to-grow, bearing clumps of mid-green leaves that perfectly complement its summer flowers.
For best results grow Centaurea montana in a sunny border in moist soil, and remove faded summer flowers to encourage a second flush in autumn.