Centaurea Macrocephela 14.7.12

I like that plant, I think I would like to try to have a go at growing it next year, any tips?

I like it a lot because it does not need staking. I have good soil which is reasonably light and friable. I have had no problem growing it. I'llsend you a pm.

That's a fascinating plant. I've never seen it before. Good that it's standing up to the weather :o)

I first saw this plant growing in a neighbour's garden near my old house and couldn't believe my eyes. No-one could tell me its name, but I did get one eventually there and it became a real talking point. As you say, they are strong, sturdy plants and flower on for ages. Impressive comes to mind.

That looks spectacular! I have commented on your picture page as I didn't realise you had done your blog about it.
The flower heads open very similar to the Cardoon don't you think? Does it suffer the mildew like some of the other centaureas can? I've completely given up on them!!

Was showing this picture to mum as I thought this would be something she would like....she informed me that we were admiring this yesterday along at 'you know where'!!!! :))
Just looked on his website - like a moist soil too - that's good news for me :))

No mildew Scottish. Yes the flowers do open like the cardoons. I could not resist doing a blog as there are so many flowers all at different stages of development. I love them at each stage. I bought this as a rescue plant. It had a label on it saying it was a delphinium or something so you can imagine the surprise when I got this.

A nice surprise S.....and good it doesn't suffer from the midlew!!!

I love this plant too,Sheila.when I bought it I thought it was small and blue.when it kept growing i thought I was growing some kind of monster,I had never seen anything like it before.I really really love it now though.

LOL!