Cornflower
Centaurea spp.
Also known as
Centaury, Centory, Starthistle, Knapweed, Loggerhead, Hardheads
Asteraceae - Centaurea triumfettii by Hectonichus (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
Max | ||
Min |
Flowering
-
spring
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summer
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autumn
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winter
More images of Cornflower
Cornflower Overview
Centaurea is a large genus consisting of over 730 species of hardy herbaceous annual and perennial plants, typically found in dry habitats. Species in this genus are only found north of the equator, mainly in the Middle East and some are common in the UK where they are found in grassland, pastures or meadows. They are considered weedy plants as they readily colonise and dominate large areas. Flowers resemble thistles, they are produced in a range of colours including blue, red, yellow and white.
Common problems with Cornflower
How to propagate Cornflower
Seed
Division
You can propagate by seeds or division in the autumn or spring.
Special features of Cornflower
Attractive flowers
Attracts bees
Attracts useful insects
Many Centaurea species are very rich in nectar and serve as a food source to numerous insects.
Other uses of Cornflower
Grown for the flower heads that each have a thistle like centre surrounded by a ring of slender ray petals. Suitable for coastal conditions.
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