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Annual Biennial

Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Ball' (d)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

cornflower 'Blue Ball'

An annual cornflower, to around 80cm high in flower, with lance-shaped, grey-green leaves. Double, showy bright cobalt blue flower-heads are produced all through the summer

Synonyms
Centaurea cyanus 'Double Blue'
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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 Blue Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Green Grey Silver
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
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

Unresolved

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

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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