Plant identification

The_Lazy_Gardener

Hi can someone tell me what this is please? 

Thanks 

Fred

Dovefromabove

Centaurea montana. 😊 

Silver surfer

Centaurea montana.

https://www.google.com/search?q=centaurea+montana&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwie9fSonPXhAhXbURUIHUSxCQcQ_AUIDigB&biw=1920&bih=944

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3364/i-Centaurea-montana-i/Details

ForTheBees

I have it my garden. It's great for bumblebees and with deadheading it'll keep going until autumn. But it's also a very vigorous spreader. I'm always having to pull up side shoots or remove large chunks to keep it in check.

Dovefromabove

Lift and divide in the spring when it’s just starting into growth. Discard the central older portion and replant the newer growth. 

In late summer/autumn ours are covered with goldfinches tucking into the seeds. 

The_Lazy_Gardener

Thank you all. I can always rely on everyone on here. 

Fred

ForTheBees

The only issue I have is they've all now grown too tall and collapsed forward, showing a bare centre at the back of the bed.  I must remember to lift & divide them.

Dovefromabove

Yes I must do mine next year ... I should make a To Do ‘splitting list’ for next spring 🙄 

josusa47

ForTheBees said:

The only issue I have is they've all now grown too tall and collapsed forward, showing a bare centre at the back of the bed.  I must remember to lift & divide them.

Are they shaded?  I once had some near a hedge, and they grew very long and straggly and flollopy in pursuit of light.