Mountain bluet (Centaurea montana ‘Amethyst in Snow’) sen-TOR-ee-ah mon-TAN-ah Genus:  Centaurea

The blooms of this familiar perennial are not the standard blue; instead, they’re a striking silky white with royal purple centers. The flowers appear in late spring, then leave behind a mass of vigorous silvery green foliage.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

‘Amethyst in Snow’ makes a great bed and border edger and is easy to divide in fall if it begins to crowd its neighbors.

Care: 

Plants do best in well-drained, alkaline soil and can rebloom with deadheading. May need staking. Grow in moist soil in sun or partial shade.

Propagation: 

Divide in fall.

Problems: 

White mold, rust, downy and powdery mildew, thread blight, and Southern blight may occur.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials