Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Alba' – Elegant white cut flower for field and cut bouquets

Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Alba' is a beautiful cut flower with pure white flower heads and a graceful, elegant appearance. This variety combines robust, upright growth with delicate flowers, making it ideal for cut bouquets, field bouquets, and creative flower arrangements that require a fresh, light touch.

With its long, sturdy stems and pure white flowers, Imperialis Alba is a favourite with both professional cut flower growers and hobby florists seeking a classic, refined look.

Pure white flowers with an airy rosette shape

Imperialis Alba is distinguished by its large, open flower heads in a soft white hue, with a fine, airy rosette structure. The flowers are elegant and create a refined, natural effect in bouquets.

These properties make the flower ideal for:

• field and picking bouquets with a light and fresh look

• bridal work and ceremonial flower creations

• botanical and modern flower arrangements

• creative interior decoration and event styling

The pure white colour forms a perfect contrast with colourful cut flowers such as pink, purple or blue and gives bouquets a classic elegance.

Strong, long cutting stems

Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Alba' develops straight, sturdy stems of 60–90 cm, depending on location and care. The stems are robust and suitable for transport, making the flower ideal for professional cut flower growers and wholesalers.

The branching growth habit means the plant produces multiple harvestable stems per season, making the variety profitable for both commercial growers and hobby florists.

Long vase life and versatile applications

Imperialis Alba flowers have a vase life of 7–10 days, especially when harvested half-open. They retain their shape and color excellently, making them ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• bridal bouquets and wedding styling

• packages for hotels and events

• fresh, elegant floral designs

The combination of sturdy stems and airy flower heads makes this white variety versatile and aesthetically pleasing.

Excellent as a dried flower

Besides fresh uses, Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Alba' is excellent for dried flowers. Harvesting the flowers half-open and drying them slowly preserves their pure white color and keeps the flower heads intact. Dried Imperialis Alba is ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• sustainable interior decoration

• boho and prairie style arrangements

• long-lasting flower arrangements

The white shade remains elegant and striking even after drying.

Cultivation advice for optimal cut stems

Imperialis Alba grows best in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil.

Important cultivation points:

• Sowing: February–April under glass or directly outside from April

• Plant out: after the last frost

• Planting distance: 20–25 cm for strong stems and good air circulation

• Soil: well-drained, light and nutritious

• Water: regular but moderate; no wet feet

• Nutrition: Light fertilization encourages strong stems and large flowers

• Support: optional for long stems or windy conditions

• Harvest: when the flowers are half to almost fully open

Regular harvesting promotes new flowering and extends the harvest period.

Why choose Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Alba'?

• Pure white, elegant flower heads

• Long, sturdy cutting stems (60–90 cm)

• Long vase life of 7–10 days

• Perfect for fresh and dried flower creations

• Uniform and robust growth

• Ideal for field bouquets, cut bouquets and bridal work

• Reliable and easy to grow