Perennial Cornflower growing guide

Perennial Cornflower

Botanical Name: Centaurea dealbata
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Size (HxW): 50-80cm x 40-60cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant same depth as in pot and spread the roots evenly below the surface. Allow growth space 40-60cm apart.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. They are quite tolerant of poor soils, and if the soil is too rich they may become leggy and need to be staked.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade.
Frost: Hardy
Water: Keep moist while establishing (this takes around four weeks of regular watering) they are dry tolerant once established.
Fertiliser: A light dose of a well balanced fertiliser in spring.
Flowering Time: Late spring to early autumn.
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers regularly (dead-head) to encourage more to grow and extend the show to autumn. OR prune back by half mid summer, fertilise, water in and they will flush again into autumn – your method may depend on how much time you have available. Winter dormant, remove spent flowers and foliage to tidy late winter/early spring.
Notes: Flowers suitable for picking. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Divide in autumn as required.

Perennial Cornflower