Amethyst in Snow Bachelor Button — Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow'

Amethyst in Snow Bachelor Button (Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with upright stems and gray-green foliage. Thistle-like flowers pair white outer petals with rich purple centers, bringing bicolor interest from mid-spring into summer.

Grow in full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soil. Remove spent flowers to encourage possible rebloom.

Growing details

• Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature height: 1–2 feet
• Mature spread: 2–2.5 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 2 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
• Flowers: White outer petals with rich purple centers
• Bloom season: Mid-spring into summer

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial is drought tolerant. It can spread rapidly in rich soil, so allow room and monitor its growth. Deadhead after flowering to encourage another display.

Use in borders, grouped plantings, naturalized areas, rock gardens, foundation beds, or containers with good drainage. Pair with catmint, sedum, or aster where growing conditions suit each plant.

Image credits: Prides Corner, Centaurea Amethyst In Snow; Captain-tucker, Centaurea montana 'Amethyst in Snow', CC BY-SA 3.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.