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Giant Knapweed development.

17 comments


I grew the plants, Centaurea macrocephala from seed about 5 years ago, mainly because I wanted some tall yellow flowers for my hot border. They are greatly admired by the neighbours as well as the passing wild life. They are very unfussy plants and grow well in my ‘poor’ alkaline soil. This bit either bakes in the sun or drowns when the rain runoff from the roof overflows the down pipes.

A very architectural bud case and a pleasing colour too.

First signs of the glory to come.

Getting there, a rich yellow that glows in the twilight.

Fully open and almost as big as a tennis ball.

taller than the Lysimachia and adding a full stop to the border.

The bees love it, as does some critter going by the nibbled leaves :o) and in the autumn the goldfinches feed greedily on the seedheads which are just 1m away from the lounge window.

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Comments

 

Centaurea macrocephala is a wonderful and thats much commitment.

from jane.

27 Jul, 2013

 

what a stunning huge flower! :- D

27 Jul, 2013

 

Growing this for the first time this year SBG - a seedling gifted by Scotsgran. I love it! I've planted it in an area where it may occasionally flood - I can't wait til it looks as good as yours!

27 Jul, 2013

 

thank you.
you wont regret it Scottish, it s a brill plant.

27 Jul, 2013

 

That is fabulous and certainly makes its mark!
Really lovely.

27 Jul, 2013

 

That is spectacular! Is it easy to grow?

27 Jul, 2013

 

very spectacular looking flower!

27 Jul, 2013

 

That is a stunning plant SBG - love it!

27 Jul, 2013

 

wow that is a beauty :O)

28 Jul, 2013

 

Your plant is lovely SBG and way ahead of mine which is still in bud. The leaves on mine have been nibbled too, but I haven't spotted what's doing it.

28 Jul, 2013

 

Wow! Love it.....my kind of plant. :0))

28 Jul, 2013

 

I bought a rescue plant many years ago. It had a delphinium label so you can imagine my delight when it turned out to be this instead. I have given away lots over the years and think it has to be my best buy ever.

28 Jul, 2013

 

yes Michelsidec it is very easy to grow and trouble free really. doesn't need staking either and last well as a cut flower though the pollen beetles like it.

It is wonderful and thank you for all the lovely comments and really all should go to the plant as I don't do anything to it.

28 Jul, 2013

 

I shall have to look out for it - it really does appeal...

28 Jul, 2013

 

That's a fantastic plant to have. Such an interesting shape and a wonderful colour :o)

28 Jul, 2013

 

What a fascinating plant!

14 Oct, 2013

 

the seeds attract goldfinches too.

14 Oct, 2013

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