Bachelor's buttons bear charming and prolific flowers in hues of blue, pink, lavender, white, and maroon. Those with a true blue color are especially welcome in the garden as that color is rare in nature. Each disc-shaped flower is about 1.5 inches across, with ragged petals radiating out from the center.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsBachelor's buttons flower from late June through August if deadheaded. They are excellent for cutting and drying.
CareTaller varieties tend to flop once they reach 2.5 to 3 feet, so they may require staking. The plants will flower abundantly in well-drained, ordinary garden soil. Although they tolerate dry conditions, they need plenty of water in hot, dry weather to ensure continued blooming. Bachelor's buttons can be grown in containers for winter flowering.
PropagationEasy from seed, which can be scattered in the garden in early spring. Self-sower.
ProblemsWhite mold, rust, downy and powdery mildew, thread blight, and Southern blight can occur.
- Genus : Centaurea
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
- Plant Type : Annuals
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Flower Color : Pink, White
- Characteristics : Self Seeds
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
