Wig Knapweed

Centaurea phrygia

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Krym, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Centaurea
Species:
Centaurea phrygia
USDA Symbol:
CEPH

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
purple, pink

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
good drainage preferred
Moisture:
moderate moisture
Notes:
prefers open meadows and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily with light; cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society