This annual or bi-annual has slender erect stems and forms a bushy habit. It has pubescent silvery grey lineare leaves and the blue, pink or white daisy-like flowers appear above the foliage during spring.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Centaurea cyanus is naturally found in south-east Europe growing in wasteland or in cornfields. It prefers a well drained fertile moist soil in an open sunny wind protected position and is frost and drought resistant.

Corn Flower is grown for its flowers and is mass planted in parks or gardens for bedding displays. It is also grown in small or cottage gardens and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in one season but short lived. This annual is also grown in containers and as it matures it may require staking. When planting out use a sunny position and space the plants 300 mm (1 ft) apart. ID 298

Centaurea(kent-OW-ree-a) cyanus(see-AH-nus)

Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)     
(Compositae)
Sunflower Family