Agrostemma githago
corncockle
An upright annual to 75cm, with narrow grey-green leaves and open funnel-shaped magenta-purple flowers 5cm across 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
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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, deadhead to prolong flowering. 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
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease- free
Get involved
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