BACHELOR BUTTON (CENTAUREA) `AMETHYST IN SNOW`

Bachelor's Buttons have always been one of the most dependable growers in the garden but not really one of its most exciting plants. 'Amethyst in Snow' is about to change all of that with a bi-color flower that is revolutionary for this genus. Long, deep green leaves with a haze of silver emerge in spring to create a thick, spreading, very attractive mound in the garden. Big buds that almost look like pineapples emerge in June at the top of each leaf carrying stem, opening in late June to reveal pure white petals that look like feathered trumpets arranged around a royal purple flower center. The color is superb, especially backed by the deep green foliage and flowers continue to bloom into August. 'Amethyst in Snow' thrives in full sun or partial shade and, once established, is very drought resistant.