Centaurea montana Black Sprite

Centaurea montana 'Black Sprite' is a recent variety of perennial cornflower, whose mysterious flowers are almost like black spiders. Their very dark purple colour contrasts beautifully with the tufts of grey and woolly leaves.  The flowers appear above this foliage for a long spring to summer period, if you take the time to cut the faded flowers.  Just as hardy as the common perennial cornflower that needs no introduction, this pretty flower will bring a dark touch that enhances all other flowers, pastel or vibrant, in a natural border or a alpine garden.

Native to the mountains of Europe, Centaurea montana is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Asteraceae family that develops laterally through trailing rhizomes. This perfectly hardy plant has been cultivated in gardens for a long time. Indifferent to limestone, it blooms better in soils that remain slightly moist, but tolerates dry periods by going dormant until the return of rain. Its foliage is deciduous, it disappears in winter and sometimes in summer if the soil is too dry.

The variety 'Black Sprite',  blooms a little earlier in the season than most perennial cornflowers, has a more compact habit and excellent tolerance to dry conditions.  It has the same pubescent foliage, giving it a woolly appearance, especially on the underside of the leaves. It forms spreading tufts, 35-40 cm (14-16in) tall when flowering, 20 cm (8in) for the foliage, and 30 cm (12in) wide, or even much wider with age, thanks to its trailing rhizomes. Its white-haired leaves are 5 to 6 cm (2in) long and have an entire lanceolate shape, with a greenish-grey colour. Flowering takes place from May to July.  Flowers appear at the top of stiff stems with beautiful entirely dark heads, surrounded by thin and laciniate petals. It is also a nectar-producing plant that produces high-calorie pollen, highly appreciated by pollinating insects, especially bumblebees.

This excellent perennial plant is as robust as it is adaptable: it grows everywhere, in heavy or light soils, in sun or shade. Cornflowers are making a comeback with infinitely refined new colours. In association with Tulipa 'Queen of the Night', Persicaria 'Red Dragon', and Ophiopogon 'Nigrescens', 'Black Sprite' will compose a very graphic scene in a black garden. On the contrary, it can be placed next to a 'Citronelle' heuchera or an alchemilla with acid green flowers to create a strong contrast. Its flowers are also very beautiful when combined with scabiosa, forget-me-nots, and anemones, in the garden and in wild bouquets.