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Description
Centaurea Collina, commonly known as the Collina knapweed, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia and has been introduced to North America. The plant can grow up to 60 centimeters in height and has a bushy, upright habit. It produces elongated flowerheads that are pink to purple in color and bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Centaurea |
Appearance
The Collina knapweed has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color and covered in fine hairs. The flowerheads are made up of many small individual flowers that are surrounded by overlapping bracts. The flowers are pink to purple in color and have a spiny center. The plant blooms from June to September and can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
The Collina knapweed is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers a slightly alkaline soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Collina knapweed is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Keep an eye out for aphids, which can be removed by spraying the plant with soapy water. Powdery mildew can also be a problem, especially in humid climates. This can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Collina knapweed is native to Europe and parts of Asia, where it grows in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. It has been introduced to North America, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Collina knapweed an invasive species?
A: The Collina knapweed is not considered an invasive species in North America, but it can spread quickly if not managed properly.
Q: Can the Collina knapweed be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Collina knapweed can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should the Collina knapweed be fertilized?
A: The Collina knapweed should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the Collina knapweed be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the Collina knapweed can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Centaurea Cyanus
- Centaurea Montana
- Centaurea Scabiosa
References
- “Centaurea Collina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287106.
- “Centaurea Collina.” Plant Finder. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/centaurea-collina.
- “Centaurea Collina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/25805/Centaurea-collina/Details.
