Photo: Nevit DilmenCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Cyanus tchihatcheffii Plant Care
Centaurea tchihatcheffii Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The flowers of Centaurea tchihatcheffii are most attractive as the pale or dark pinkish-red marginal florets (the most frequent colour form) take on an iridescent shimmer in the sun and wind, hence the vernacular name Yanardöner, meaning ‘iridescent flower’. It flowers from late April to mid-June and in cultivation even earlier, e.g., March in Istanbul. The peak flowering period is mid-May and in earlier years it was sold in some quantity by street florists in Ankara. It is mainly bee-, bug- and beetle-pollinated. Ants play an important role in seed dispersal and the fully ripe fat achenes are a delight for pigeons which settle down to feed in large flocks. The species is of taxonomic interest as it has some rather unusual and unique features not existing in any other Centaurea. For example, the marginal florets are funnel-shaped with crenate margins. The anther-tube is provided with glands at the tips of the appendages.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Water Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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.
What Is the Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Cyanus tchihatcheffii (Centaurea tchihatcheffii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Centaurea genus. Cyanus tchihatcheffii is also known as Melanoloma tchihatchewi.
Cyanus tchihatcheffii displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cyanus tchihatcheffii produces showy, thistle-like flower heads in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Centaurea tchihatcheffii 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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii Need?
Cyanus tchihatcheffii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cyanus tchihatcheffii Prefer?
Centaurea tchihatcheffii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Cyanus tchihatcheffii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cyanus tchihatcheffii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Feed Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cyanus tchihatcheffii, 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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii?
Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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 Cyanus tchihatcheffii Need?
Cyanus tchihatcheffii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Cyanus tchihatcheffii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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.
Cyanus tchihatcheffii 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 tchihatcheffii Fisch. & C.A.Mey., family Asteraceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 1: 31 (1854)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cyanus tchihatcheffii, 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: Nevit Dilmen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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