Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) sen-TOR-ee-ah sy-AN-us Genus:  Centaurea

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 Characteristics: 

Bachelor's buttons flower from late June through August if deadheaded. They are excellent for cutting and drying.

Care: 

Taller 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.

Propagation: 

Easy from seed, which can be scattered in the garden in early spring. Self-sower.

Problems: 

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

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Pace Fast Grower, Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Beneficial Bugs, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Blue, Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Annuals