Grossheimia

Family Asteraceae. Grossheimia (Centaurea) macrocephala - Grossheimia (cornflower) large-headed

Description: This species belongs to the Asteraceae family. In perennial cornflowers the flowers are large and splendid for bouquets. Stems are thick, robust, 80-150 cm tall, and bear yellow "balls" surrounded by lanceolate leaves. Main flowering occurs in summer (late July), and a second wave may occur in autumn. For cultivating Grossheimia any well-drained garden soil in full sun or partial shade is suitable. Sow in spring on the surface of the substrate, mulching with coarse sand. Transplant seedlings in the 2nd year after sowing with spacing of 35-50 cm. Seedlings flower in the 2nd-3rd year. Afterwards propagation is easily done by dividing the clumps in autumn and spring.

Location:

Light: grows in light partial shade, prefers good illumination, and also grows on open sunny sites, including south-facing slopes.

Water: grows in moderately moist soil, but not with severe drying out.

Soil: grows well in ordinary garden (fertile, well-structured) soils.

Snow: overwinters in areas with moderate snow accumulation (with moderate soil freezing), and also in very snowy locations (more than 40 cm of snow in January, with slight soil freezing).

Uses: widely used in mixed and group plantings, suitable for cutting.