This showy perennial is native to the rugged
islands of Italy. The feathery ever-grey,
almost white, foliage is the outstanding feature of this plant. Fluffy purple flowers in the Spring and the
foliage alike are great for stylized bouquets as well as neglected areas of
your yard.
Unless you’re desperate for an excuse, don’t book
your trip to Sicily ‘to hunt for it’. The
IUCN classifies it as endangered in its native habitat.
Finding Centaurea gymnocarpa [dusty miller] is
much easier in Wildwood Farm’s perennial display along Sonoma Highway. The grey foliage will be even more prominent
next spring when neighboring purple salvia blooms. Remember that white foliage needs color or contrast
from surrounding plants to maximize its impact.
This dusty miller is especially fantastic because it has purple flowers,
instead of pale yellow ones found on other dusty millers. Pale yellow might work well with succulents
but purple seems best with other perennials.
Even though it’s endangered, we’re not going to
coddle our baby Centaurea. We think it
will appreciate weekly watering next summer though!
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