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Annual Biennial

Agrostemma githago
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
bastard nigella
corn cockle
see morecorn pink
gith
joy of love
little and pretty
bulwg yr ŷd
Synonyms
Agrostemma nicaeense
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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Human/Pets (dogs, poultry): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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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