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.

27 Jul, 2013
12 likes

Comments

Janeplant

Centaurea macrocephala is a wonderful and thats much commitment.

from jane.

27 Jul, 2013

Cordyman

what a stunning huge flower! :- D

27 Jul, 2013

Scottish

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

Seaburngirl

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

27 Jul, 2013

Wildrose

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

27 Jul, 2013

Melchisedec

That is spectacular! Is it easy to grow?

27 Jul, 2013

Louisa15

very spectacular looking flower!

27 Jul, 2013

Dirtyred

That is a stunning plant SBG - love it!

27 Jul, 2013

Oliveoil

wow that is a beauty :O)

28 Jul, 2013

Jaykaty

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

Linda235

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

28 Jul, 2013

Scotsgran

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

Seaburngirl

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

Melchisedec

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

28 Jul, 2013