Photo of Centaurea cyanus flower by Dalgial

Photo by Dalgial

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Centaurea cyanus

Also Known As

  • Cyanus segetum
  • Bachelor Button
  • Cornflower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 2'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 1-12

Centaurea cyanus plant details

Centaurea cyanus is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea cyanus

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 FT tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, edible, heirloom, medicinal, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea cyanus

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Add a sprinkle of brilliant blue and a sweet spicy flavor to salads and quick breads. Historic use as a remedy for weak eyes.""

Gardening facts about Centaurea cyanus plant

How to Grow Centaurea cyanus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

More Options

+38 more Centaurea
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