Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The annual blue cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, is a slender plant bearing pretty flowers in rich shades of blue. It's commonly used in pictorial and annual meadow schemes, and makes an excellent cut flower. Cultivars of the species may have red, pink, and white flowers.

For best results, grow Centaurea cyanus in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun. The wiry plants may need support in exposed situations. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering in summer, but leave seeds to develop towards autumn, as these will provide food for birds.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes

Centaurea and wildlife

Centaurea is known for attracting bees, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Centaurea poisonous?

Centaurea has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Centaurea cyanus
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