ruthbancroftgarden:

Centaurea cineraria

Centaurea cineraria (often found under the name Centaurea gymnocarpa in the nursery trade) is one of several plants called “Dusty Miller” because their white leaves look like they had been dusted with flour. While Centaurea cineraria comes from the Italian mainland, its relative C. gymnocarpa comes from the island of Capraia off the coast, and the latter name has somehow become identified with plants of the former. In any case, the white foliage and purple flowers make for a dramatic display. It belongs to the Daisy Family (Asteraceae).

-Brian