{"title":"Perennial Cornflower","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"257\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"257\"\u003eGenus: Centaurea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"420\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"270\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)\u003cbr data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"303\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"320\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cornflower, Bachelor's Button, Knapweed\u003cbr data-start=\"360\" data-end=\"363\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"380\"\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"774\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"438\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"441\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"454\"\u003eCentaurea\u003c\/strong\u003e includes both annual and perennial species, recognised for their distinctive, often spiky flower heads that come in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and sometimes yellow. The most famous species, \u003cem data-start=\"655\" data-end=\"673\"\u003eCentaurea cyanus\u003c\/em\u003e (cornflower), is cherished for its vibrant cornflower blue blooms that have become a garden classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"945\"\u003ePlants in this genus generally have finely divided or lobed leaves and a bushy growth habit, varying in height from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"1162\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"947\" data-end=\"962\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"962\" data-end=\"965\"\u003eCentaurea thrives in \u003cstrong data-start=\"986\" data-end=\"998\"\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003ewell-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e and moderate watering. Many species are drought tolerant once established and prefer a somewhat lean soil to encourage longer flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1265\"\u003eDeadheading spent flowers helps extend bloom time and prevents unwanted self-seeding in some species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1291\"\u003eInteresting Tidbits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003eCornflower is a traditional symbol in Canadian and European culture, often associated with remembrance and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003eCentaurea flowers are popular with bees and butterflies, making them excellent for pollinator gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1642\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1642\"\u003eSome species have naturalised widely outside their native range and are valued in wildflower and meadow-style plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1643\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1791\"\u003eThe genus name \"Centaurea\" derives from the mythical centaur Chiron, who, according to legend, used plants from this group for medicinal purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.scottsnurseryonline.com\/collections\/perennial-28.oembed","provider":"Scott's Nursery Ltd. ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}