What is a Cornflower?

Cornflowers are annual plants which are famous for the intensely rich blue color of their blossoms. These plants are native to Eurasia, but they are widely cultivated in the Northern Hemisphere, and a number of specialty cultivars have been produced, with flowers in colors like white, pink, and purple in addition to the famous blue. Cornflower blue is so distinctive that it appears as a color in sets of crayons and paints, and people's eyes are sometimes compared to cornflowers.

The most well known cornflower species is probably Centaurea cyanus, although several others are sold as garden plants. Cornflowers produce spear-like leaves and disc-shaped heads of blossoms which do very well as cut and dried flowers in addition to looking attractive in the garden. Depending on where cornflowers are grown, they generally bloom in the late spring and early summer, after which the plant will produce seed and then die back, allowing gardeners to remove it.

The cornflower is extremely hardy, thriving in USDA zones three through 10. In North America, cornflowers are prized as garden flowers, but they also grow wild, thanks to their adaptability. In Eurasia, cornflowers tend to be treated more like weeds in many regions, since they can wreak havoc on crops, and in some areas of its native range the flower has ironically been classified as a threatened species which may vanish, due to vigorous eradication efforts.

There are a number of alternate names for the cornflower, including bachelor's button, bluebonnet, bluebottle, and ragged sailor. The "bachelor's button" comes from a tradition of wearing cornflowers in the buttonhole while courting, since the flowers last a long time as cut flowers; according to legend, if cornflowers faded or wilted in a young man's buttonhole, it suggested that his affections were not genuine.

The cornflower has also been used in traditional herbal medicine, steeped to make a rinse for sore or tired eyes. Cornflowers are also edible; they are traditionally added to some tea blends such as Lady Grey, and they are also used to garnish food or to add a note of color to pitchers of water.

When planting cornflowers in the garden, it helps to cluster them so that they will create a dense mass of blue when they bloom. Some cornflower varieties also get quite tall, making them suitable for use as filler in large beds where a rich background color might be desired.

A cornflower, also known as Centaurea cyanus, is a small annual flowering plant native to Europe. It thrives in temperate climates and is commonly found in fields, along roadsides, and in meadows. Its natural habitat has been declining, but it is often cultivated in gardens for its striking blue flowers.

The cornflower has significant historical symbolism, particularly in Europe. It is the national flower of Estonia, represents remembrance in France, and was a symbol of resistance in Germany during World War II. Its enduring presence in folklore and history underscores its cultural importance across various European countries.

Historically, cornflowers have been used in traditional medicine for their supposed diuretic and tonic properties. While not widely used in modern medicine, they are sometimes incorporated into herbal teas and can be edible when used as a garnish in salads, providing a splash of color to culinary creations.

Cornflowers are relatively easy to grow and prefer well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They can be sown directly into the ground in spring and require minimal maintenance. Regular deadheading can promote further blooming. They are drought-tolerant and generally resistant to pests, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

Cornflowers are excellent for biodiversity; they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the pollination of many plants. Their presence in agricultural settings can support the local ecosystem and contribute to the health of other crops by sustaining a diverse range of beneficial insects.

Popular varieties of cornflower include 'Blue Boy' with its classic deep blue petals, 'Black Ball' with dark maroon flowers, and 'Frosted Queen' which boasts flowers with a mix of blue, pink, and purple hues. Each variety offers a unique color palette, allowing gardeners to choose according to their aesthetic preferences.