This is a really good perennial that combines pretty evergreen foliage and wiry stems that rise to 8″ and open pale pink fluffy Bachelors Button flowers in late spring and early summer. The low mounding foliage is dense and remains good looking through most seasons. It requires full sun and rich, fast draining soils to establish and spread. Line paths, rock gardens, gravel gardens, hellstrips. Light consistent summer water- not at all shade tolerant. Spreads to 2′ wide in time. Perennial containers. Native to Turkey.
Centaurea simplicicaulis
Family: Asteraceae Genus: Centaurea
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Hot Aspects, Mesic, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Full Sun
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn5a -15º to -20ºF
Foliage color: Silver/Gray
Foliage season: Evergreen