Centaurea cyanus ‘Black Gem’ (Cornflower)

Bearing charming and profuse flowers for months, Centaurea cyanus ‘Black Gem’ (Cornflower) is an attractive annual with ruffled, dark maroon, thistle-shaped flowers. Blooming abundantly from spring to early fall, the blossoms rise cheerfully atop branching stems clad with lance-shaped, silvery-green leaves. Attracting bees, butterflies and other admirers, this cornflower is excellent for cutting.

• Grow up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 10 in. wide (25 cm). 
• Prefer full sun or light shade and enjoy average, medium, well-drained soils. Cornflowers are very adaptable and will grow in the poorest of soils. Plant will tend to flop in too much shade. Staking may be required on taller plants. Minimal watering and no fertilizer are required to keep these annuals going. Established plants can tolerate dry soil, but regular watering will keep the plants healthier.
• Easy to grow and virtually pest and disease free (watch for aphids and mealybugs), they are also deer and drought tolerant!
• Perfect for borders and beds, cottage gardens, prairie plantings, cutting gardens, wildlife gardens or containers. Great as cut flowers too, fresh or in dried arrangements!
• New plants may be grown each year by planting seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date or outdoors at the last spring frost date. In mild winter areas, seed may be planted outdoors in the fall.
• Plants may reseed in the garden. Deadheading spent flowers will help prevent undesired self-seeding
• Centaurea cyanus species is native to Europe.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.