Centaurea cyanus

The annual blue cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, is a slender plant bearing pretty flowers in rich shades of blue. It's commonly used in pictorial and annual meadow schemes, and makes an excellent cut flower. Cultivars of the species may have red, pink, and white flowers.

For best results, grow Centaurea cyanus in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun. The wiry plants may need support in exposed situations. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering in summer, but leave seeds to develop towards autumn, as these will provide food for birds.