Digging deeperPlant Library

Cornflower flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cornflower flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Ornamental Features

Cornflower features unusual pink lacecap flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its oval leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Cornflower is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

Cornflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Cornflower will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.