Centaurea cyanus. The tall silvery stems of this cornflower provides a stunning contrast to the deep plum coloured blooms. Cornflowers are wonderfully adaptable to a variety of soils, and are heat and drought tolerant. Suitable for beds, borders, as well as meadows. They attract a host of pollinators but are ignored by deer. They make excellent cut and dried flowers. The petals are also edible—try them in salads or sprinkled on desserts.
