Photo of Centaurea cyanus [Mixed] flower by Loyna

Photo by Loyna

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Centaurea cyanus [Mixed]

Also Known As

  • Cyanus segetum [Mixed]
  • Bachelors Button
  • Cornflower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 6"

planting zones

  • 1-12

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Centaurea cyanus [Mixed] plant details

Centaurea cyanus [Mixed] is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer blue, burgundy, pink, purple, red and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea cyanus [Mixed]

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: blue, burgundy, pink, purple, red and white blooms in fall, spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea cyanus [Mixed]

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The humble Cornflower, an annual so named for it's propensity for growing amongst field crops across Europe. Each cluster of darker hued tiny flowers is surrounded by a ruff of much larger and lighter coloured florets in pink, white, purple or traditional blue and is held on a long slender stem, ideal for picking, and is clad towards the base with silvery green, lance shaped leaves. Truly happy in exposed, sunny, well drained soil. The flowers make a colourful garnish or addition to salads. Scratch seeds into bare, sunny, well drained soil in autumn or early winter. Each pack contains surfeit of 50+ seeds.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Centaurea cyanus [Mixed] plant

How to Grow Centaurea cyanus [Mixed]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
    • red
    • blue
    • purple
    • burgundy
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Centaurea for your garden

aka Cornflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 24"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Centaurea orientalis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Cyanus segetum 'Black Gem', Black Gem Bachelor's Buttons

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Centaurea cyanus 'Black Gem' flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Cyanus segetum 'Blue Diadem', Blue Diadem Bachelor's Buttons

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 12"-30"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Diadem' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Centaurea scabiosa 'Perennial Butterfly', Greater Knapweed, Perennial Bachelor Button, Perennial Butterfly Cornflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Centaurea scabiosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Centaurea candidissima, Centaurea gymnocarpa, Dusty Miller, Velvet Centaurea, Velvet Centaurea

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Centaurea cineraria flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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+38 more Centaurea
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