Growing Centratherum

Latin Name Pronunciation: sen-trath' er-um

Centratherum is native to Australia and Central and South America. It is also known as Punctatum var. intermedium. It is a perennial that is grown as an annual. It prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Grow in moist, well-drained soil, rich with organic matter (such as compost). Once stablished, it can tolerate heat and dry soil. Plants flower from midsummer until frost and are beloved by butterflies. Deadheading will help to promote continuous flowering throughout the growing season. If plants begin to look leggy with reduced flowering in midsummer, they can be cut back by about ⅓ for a more compact habit and to promote new flowers. Plants self-seed in frost-free climates and can be deadheaded to control unwanted spreading. No serious insect or disease problems. Deer and rabbit resistant. Perennial in Zones 10-12.

For information on planting and care of annuals, click Annuals.