Let me tell you about American Basketflower.

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American Basketflower

Centaurea americana

Zones 7–13

Growing

Because of its distinctive basket-weave pattern on the underside of the flowerbuds and inflorescence, this native annual is a striking addition to any warm-season garden. When sowing, it is best to plant the seeds directly where you want them to grow, as they thrive in well-drained sites. To prevent issues with root rot, ensure your planting area or container does not hold excess water, as poorly draining soil can compromise the plant's health.

As the plant matures, you will notice its single upright stems topped with pink petals and cream-colored centers. The foliage consists of rough, lance-shaped leaves that add texture to the garden. This variety is excellent for attracting pollinators to your landscape. Because it spreads by dropping its own seeds, you may find new seedlings appearing in the surrounding area in subsequent seasons.

To maintain a tidy garden, keep an eye on the area around your plants. Good weed control is important to prevent other vegetation from competing with your basketflowers. If you are growing these in containers, ensure the medium allows for quick drainage to keep the roots healthy.

Stats
Sunfull sun
Waterlow
Grow time—
Height3–6ft
Spacing>24in
Light
Full sun✓
Part shade✓
Shade✗
Traits
Life cycleannual
Categorygarden annual
Growth habitupright
Seasonwarm
Frost tolerancetender
Height3–6ft
Spacingover 24in
Days to bloom45–90
Native us✓
Growing
Waterlow
Drainagewell drained
Soil ph min6.0
Soil ph max7.5
Propagation
Seed✓
Cutting✗
Division✗
Graft✗
Tuber bulb crown✗
Transplant✗
Container ok✓
Spreadself seeds
Deer resistant✗
Drought tolerant✓
Pollinator friendly✓
Toxic to
People—
Pets—
Livestock—
Bloom
Length2–6wk
Colors
White✗
Yellow✗
Orange✗
Red✗
Pink✓
Purple✗
Blue✗
Green✗
Fragrant✗
Reblooms✗
Deadhead✗
Cut flower✗
Dried flower✗
Invasive
Statusnone
Regions
Northeast✗
Southeast✗
Midwest✗
Plains✗
Southwest✗
Mountain west✗
Pacific northwest✗
California✗
Hawaii✗
State noxious✗
Escapes cultivation✓
Calendar, zone 7
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sownonoyesyesyesnonononononono
Harvest————————————