Perennial Cornflower

An old cottage garden favourite, prized for its beautiful blue flowers, Centaurea montana is a rather variable, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial with a dense, weed-suppressing habit. The silvery grey-green leaves are lance-shaped. From late May to July, the cornflower-like flowers appear, deep violet-blue fringing a reddish-purple centre; the flowers are good for pollinators. Cut the flowers and leaves back for a second flush of flowers and fresh leaves in August and September. Perennial cornflower is a good, easy plant for the middle of a border, and is as tough as old boots.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, preferably mois
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 18” (45cm) Spread: 2’ (60cm)