Agrostemma githago
corncockle
A branching, upright annual about 60-90cm tall, with narrow grey-green leaves to 8cm long, and open funnel-shaped magenta-purple flowers 5cm across, produced in summer
Synonyms
Agrostemma nicaeense
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Agrostemma are upright annuals with narrow, opposite leaves and solitary, 5-petalled, open trumpet-shaped flowers with long calyx lobes showing between the petals
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun. Lax growth needs to be staked. Flowers are suitable for cutting and are attractive to bees
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in-situ, self-seeds prolifically
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering is finished
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease- free
Get involved
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