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Annual Biennial
Centaurea cyanus
cornflower
An upright annual to 75cm, with simple or slightly lobed leaves and solitary deep blue flower-heads 3-4cm across in late spring and summer
Other common names
barbeaublaver
see moreblue blaw
blue bonnets
blue bow
blue sailors
blue tops
break-your-spectacles
brushes
bunk
corn binks
corn centaury
cornbottle
French pink
happy skies
haw dods
hurtsickle
ragged sailor
bachelor's buttons [4]
blawort [2]
blue poppy [2]
bluebottle
bluets [2]
ragged robin [2]
witches' bells [3]
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- N Termperate regions
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Wildflower meadow
- 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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