OK, normal service is resumed here at the RHS New Plants blog after the frantic flurry of coverage of all those new plants at Chelsea. Today's newcomer is a lovely new form of an old favourite.
Slowly but surely, centaureas (perennial cornflowers) are creeping up the popularity charts. The yellow leaved ‘Gold Bullion' certainly made us take notice a few years ago and now we have new form in a unique flower colour.
The name ‘Amethyst in Snow' describes it well for the heart of the flower is vivid amethyst in colour and the contrast with the snowy white petals is dramatic. Reaching only about 38cm/15in in height, this is a fine border plant, flowering around now, and this form in particular makes a captivating cut flower.
Although thriving most heartily in limey well-drained soil in full sun, ‘Amethyst in Snow' is tolerant of less favourable conditions including even a little shade. Cut the whole plant back hard after flowering, soak well and you'll be rewarded with a fresh crop of attractive foliage and more flowers later.
‘Amethyst in Snow' was discovered by Dutch seedsman the late Kees Sahin back in May 2002 amongst a seed-raised planting of C. montana and its distinct colouring was instantly recognised.
Looking ahead, there may well be more new centaureas on the way from across the Atlantic' in the next year or two. ‘Dot Purple' is royal purple, as is 'Amthyst Dream', while ‘Black Widow' is a unique deep maroon purplish shade, almost black and are proving to be good garden plants.
Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow' is now available from these RHS Plant Finder nurseries.