Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Splendens' – Radiant orange-red cut flower for field and cut bouquets

Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Splendens' is a striking cut flower with vibrant orange-red flower heads and a graceful, elegant appearance. This variety combines robust, upright growth with colorful blooms, making it ideal for cut bouquets, field bouquets, and creative flower arrangements that require a warm, radiant accent.

Thanks to its long, sturdy stems and bright, striking flowers, Imperialis Splendens is loved by both professional cut flower growers and hobby florists who want a strong colour accent in their bouquets.

Vibrant flowers with an airy rosette shape

Imperialis Splendens is distinguished by its medium-sized, airy flower heads in an intense orange-red hue, with a graceful rosette structure. The flowers have a botanical charm and add a playful and colorful touch to bouquets.

These properties make the flower ideal for:

• field and picking bouquets with a striking colour accent

• bridal work and ceremonial flower creations

• botanical and modern flower arrangements

• creative interior decoration and event styling

The warm orange-red colour forms a powerful contrast with white, pink or purple and makes every bouquet lively and radiant.

Strong, long cutting stems

Centaurea moschata 'Imperialis Splendens' develops straight, sturdy stems of 60–90 cm, depending on location and care. The stems are robust and can withstand 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 Splendens 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

• colorful, playful floral designs

The combination of sturdy stems and airy flower heads makes this orange-red variety versatile and visually attractive.

Excellent as a dried flower

Besides fresh use, Imperialis Splendens is excellent for dried flowers. Harvesting the flowers half-open and drying them slowly preserves their vibrant color and helps the flower heads maintain their shape. Dried Imperialis Splendens is ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• sustainable interior decoration

• boho and prairie style arrangements

• long-lasting flower arrangements

The warm orange-red hue remains a striking accent in floral compositions even after drying.

Cultivation advice for optimal cut stems

Imperialis Splendens 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 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 Splendens'?

• Vibrant orange-red 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 cut bouquets, field bouquets and bridal work

• Reliable and easy to grow