Centaurea Cyanus
Centaurea cyanus
Centaurea cyanus, the classic cornflower, is a beloved annual wildflower native to Europe. Its vivid blue blooms carry deep cultural and national significance across many countries and symbolize hope, love, and good fortune.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Late spring through summer (May to September); longer with successive sowings
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: statices and helichrysum bracteatums also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Few flowers carry as much national and historical weight as the cornflower. It was a national symbol of Germany, linked to Queen Louise of Prussia who reportedly hid her children in a cornflower field while fleeing Napoleon's forces, weaving wreaths to keep them calm. The blue cornflower (bleuet) is France's symbol of remembrance for World War I veterans, equivalent to the British poppy. It is also the national flower of Estonia. In Victorian floriography, cornflowers symbolized delicacy and a single devoted love. In folklore, a young man in love would wear one and if it faded quickly, it meant his love was unreturned.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; thrives in open, sunny positions
Water
Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established; does not tolerate waterlogged soil
Soil
Well-drained, Poor to average fertility, Tolerates most soil types, Neutral to slightly alkaline
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or autumn; cornflowers prefer to be direct-sown and do not transplant well
Make successive sowings every 3-4 weeks from spring to early summer for continuous bloom
Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering season and prevent excessive self-seeding
Thrives in poor soil; overly rich soil encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers
Dried flower heads can be collected and the petals used as natural food colorings or tea ingredients
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Annual wildflower meadow and prairie plantings
- Cottage garden and border fillers
- Cutting gardens for fresh and dried arrangements
- Edible flower garnishes for salads and beverages
- Pollinator patches and wildlife-friendly plantings
Traditional Uses
- Cornflower petals contain flavonoids and anthocyanins; traditionally used as a mild anti-inflammatory eyewash and in herbal teas for digestive and urinary complaints
- Dried petals are included in herbal tea blends and sometimes in Lady Grey tea for their color and mild floral flavor
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Centaurea Cyanus
What does the cornflower symbolize?
Cornflowers symbolize hope, love, faithfulness, and good fortune. They also carry strong national symbolism across Europe, representing remembrance in France and patriotism in Germany, and are the national flower of Estonia.
Are cornflowers edible?
Yes, cornflower petals are edible and safe for most people. They are used as colorful garnishes in salads, cocktails, and desserts, and as an ingredient in herbal teas. Their flavor is mildly floral and slightly bitter.
Do cornflowers come back every year?
Centaurea cyanus is an annual, so individual plants do not return. However, they self-seed prolifically and often naturalize, making it seem like a perennial colony in the garden if seeds are allowed to ripen and fall.
How do I grow cornflowers from seed?
Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny spot in early spring or autumn. Cornflowers dislike transplanting, so direct sowing is best. Successive sowings every few weeks through spring will extend the bloom season.
Are cornflowers safe for bees and butterflies?
Yes, cornflowers are an excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. They are widely planted in pollinator gardens and wildflower meadows specifically to support beneficial insects.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Statice
Limonium sinuatum
Statice is a hardy annual flower prized for its papery, colorful bracts that retain their color when dried. It symbolizes remembrance, success, and sympathy, making it popular for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Helichrysum Bracteatum
Helichrysum bracteatum (syn. Xerochrysum bracteatum)
Helichrysum bracteatum, now correctly known as Xerochrysum bracteatum, is an Australian native annual celebrated worldwide for its vivid, papery, daisy-like blooms that retain their brilliant color and crisp form when dried. It symbolizes eternity, remembrance, and the preservation of beauty, and is one of the most important commercial dried flower crops globally.
Camellia
Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia), Camellia sasanqua (Sasanqua Camellia)
Camellias are elegant evergreen shrubs with waxy, rose-like flowers that bloom in winter and early spring. They symbolize admiration, perfection, and good fortune.