Centaurea

If you are looking for a perennial with spectacular foliage and interesting form, then Centaurea is a plant to try. Also known as Snowflake Dusty Miller, Centaurea has serrated cut foliage that is a beautiful velvety silver and will add dramatic form and contrast to the garden. Centaurea is native to the Mediterranean where it is seen growing on cliffs, rocks and stone walls. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows best in full sun in dry well-drained soil. With its stunning foliage, Centaurea will add a showy look to the border, mass planting or combination containers. It has a neat mounded habit and many cultivars grow up to 2 feet high and wide. Known mostly for its foliage, Centaurea does get blooms in late spring to mid-summer. The yellow flowers are thistle-like and are held above the foliage.