some Centaureas I am looking for . . .

Hi folks -

I've been searching for a couple of Centaureas and wonder if any of you in California might know where they might be found. I would be especially interested in a S.F.Bay Area source.

The first is Centaurea ragusina L. - an 'old' type of dusty miller that used to be THE dusty Miller in this area about 35-40 years ago. For those unfamiliar, it has largish, white tomentose leaves that have large, rounded, pinnate lobes. The stems are generally decumbent, and the plant habit is usually under 2ft and spreading somewhat. The flowers are borne on stems just above the foliage, one or possibly two at a time, and are fat, round, bright yellow and thistle-like. I haven't been able to find it in the trade for some time but I wonder if it might be still growing out there in an older garden. I know I saw it growing in a suburban neighborhood in San Jose near Steven Creek Blvd. and San Thomas Expressway, but that was quite a number of years ago.

The other is Centaurea arbutifolia Svent. - from Gran Canaria in the Canary Island. This is a shrubby composite that becomes tree-like. It has pink thistle-like flowers and leaves suggestive of the species name. Is this being grown in California? Can anyone tell me of their experiences with it? Is stock/seed available?

Also, it occurs to me that I would also like to know if a Centaurea relation, Palaeocyanus crassifolius Dostal. (formerly Centaurea crassifolia Bert., and C. spathulata Zerafa) is available up here in the Bay Area. I know it has been grown by Gary Hammer at Desert to Jungle Nursery in Montebello, CA. This native of Malta has interesting rounded, green leaves sort of like a succulent Acacia longiflora, makes a spreading mound of evergreen foliage topped with spikes of lavender-pink thistle-like flowers. It has been used in Malta for meridians and other drought tolerant plantings.

Thanks in advance for any information about these plants and their possible sources.
Regards,
Seán O.

h o r t u l u s   a p t u s     -    'a garden suited to its purpose'
Seán A. O'Hara   sean@support.net   www.hortulusaptus.com
1034A Virginia Street, Berkeley, California 94710-1853, U.S.A.

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