Centaurea bella

This Caucasian endemic, with its beautiful pinnate grey leaves, is widely used as an evergreen groundcover in the dry Mediterranean gardens of the French Riviera. Once established, it is happy in any soil that isn’t bog-like. Its dense foliage makes it one of the best plants for supressing weeds. The amethyst pink corn flowers are a joy for many months during spring and summer. The foliage grows 20cm or so tall and 30-40cm wide. The Caucasian Cornflower is best grown in a sunny spot and is very drought tolerant once established.