Cornflower problem

[Digitalis]

My perennial cornflower (Centaurea montana) has collapsed in the middle. It has never done this before:



It started at the beginning of April and slowly got worse. I assumed that a cat had been rolling in it, but then the other Cornflower had exactly the same problem.

It can't be lack of/too much water as all I've cultivated it the same way as previous years.

[Digitalis]

[Ben Acre]

Well I would say it needs splitting and looks to me like natural dying growth.

[kymrob]

mind the same :)

[Digitalis]

Thanks.

I should add that there are only roots in the central 'brown' part. i.e. the collapsed bits are not rooting.

[lavenderlux]

Perennial cornflowers set seeds readily and it might be a good idea to collect some and resow.
Wonder if it was the warm growing conditions in March which gave it a good start and then the dry weather conditions.  

[small]

Mine always do that, the bit of garden they are in is very dry and a bit shady and I've always assumed that was the problem. They've gone over even more quickly this year, I've cut a load back already and if this drought continues I doubt if I'll get a second flush. I might try collecting some seed, didn't know this was easy!

[Digitalis]

I should add that it was fine until the very hot weather started a few weeks back. When it stands normally it is not that big a clump.

[Strawberrygirl]

Mine does the same so i put one of those circular plant supports round it. I think it is just very very dry.  Not sure whether to cut it back and hope it has a second wind?

[Digitalis]

That's what I'm thinking of doing. ???