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Annual Biennial

Centaurea cyanus Polka Dot Series
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A collection of annual cornflowers, to around 50cm high in flower, with lance-shaped, grey-green leaves. Showy flower-heads, in a wide range of colours from white to pinks, reds, purples and blues, are produced all through the summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer White Pink Red Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Thrives in poor soils but will not tolerate waterlogging

Propagation

Propagate by seed (sown outdoors) in early spring. Sow successionally rather than all at once for a longer show of flowers

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

Deadhead to encourage more flowers, unless seed is required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews, powdery mildews and rust diseases

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