Photo: Clément BeckertCC BY 2.5via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Species Plantarum Plant Care
Centaurea aspera L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves covered in velvety hairs, this plant originating from the Mediterranean region is a striking addition to any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to Centaurea aspera for its unique foliage that adds texture and interest to their collection, making it a desirable choice for those looking to create a visually captivating display.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Species Plantarum?
Water Species Plantarum every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Species Plantarum Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum (Centaurea aspera) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Centaurea genus. Species Plantarum is native to Europe and in New York, United States.
Species Plantarum displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Species Plantarum produces showy, thistle-like flower heads in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Species Plantarum?
Centaurea aspera requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Species Plantarum Prefer?
Centaurea aspera grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Species Plantarum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Species Plantarum?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Species Plantarum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Species Plantarum?
Feed Species Plantarum every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Species Plantarum?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue cornflower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Species Plantarum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Species Plantarum?
Species Plantarum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Species Plantarum Need?
Species Plantarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Species Plantarum is native to Europe and in New York, United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Species Plantarum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Centaurea genus — compare its care with other Centaurea species on PlantoScan.
Centaurea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Species Plantarum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Centaurea Species
Other Centaurea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Centaurea aspera L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 916 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Species Plantarum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Clément Beckert, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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