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Annual Biennial

Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cornflower 'Black Ball'

An upright annual to 75cm, with simple or slightly lobed leaves and solitary, very dark red flower-heads 3-4cm across in late spring and summer

Synonyms
Centaurea 'Black Ball'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Centaurea may be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and showy thistle-like flowers-heads, often with enlarged outer florets

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews

Get involved

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