Previously known to everyone exclusively as a wildflower, cornflower subsequently took on a cultivated form and settled in many flower beds as an ornamental plant. And its various varieties today boast more than just shades of blue.
Garden cornflowers have one difference visible to the naked eye from meadow plants of this species: they are decorative and are distinguished by larger flowers. And most importantly: the rich blue shade of the buds, which is familiar to us, has been replaced by a variety of colors of cultivated species and varieties. By the way, among the inhabitants of flower beds there are also cornflowers, which are radically different from the original even in the appearance of the flowers: they are denser and fluffier, and we will also tell you about them.
There are two versions of the origin of the word centaurea - the Latin name of the plant. One of them, mythological, claims that with the help of cornflower the centaur Chiron was healed from the poison of the Lernaean Hydra. Another says that this flower was called that way even under Hippocrates, and translated from Greek its name literally sounds like “stabbing bulls.”
general information
Cornflowers are found throughout Europe, decorating lawns and flower beds in gardens and cities. They also grow in the wild, where our distant ancestors noticed it and began to use it as a medicinal plant.
The bright flowers of cornflower are large inflorescences-baskets of individual small flowers that look like petals. In addition to blue and dark blue varieties, there are white, pink, yellow and burgundy varieties.
Cornflower is a herbaceous plant, but it is not always small, because some species can grow over a meter. Among them there are annuals and perennials, and in natural conditions they grow almost like weeds.
Basically, the stems of cornflowers are erect or recumbent, and the leaves can be whole or heavily dissected. The inflorescences are collected in several pieces, due to which wonderful bouquets are obtained from cornflowers. Otherwise, it is quite problematic to derive a single general description due to the diversity of the genus.
Photo: phonoteka.org
Frosty
A multi-colored, unpretentious annual up to 80 cm high. Delicate double flowers are collected in inflorescences shaped like baskets. Frost-resistant, prefers sunny places and well-drained soil with a neutral acidity level. The plant is drought resistant.
Frosty's cornflower gets its name from its white border, which, when viewed from a distance, gives it the appearance of a frost-covered flower.
Looks great either cut as part of a bouquet or in any flower bed. Blooms from June to September.
Types of cornflowers
In Russia alone there are about 180 species that belong to the genus of cornflowers. In fact, there are many more, but we'll start with the main ones!
Blue cornflower
The most popular and widespread in our latitudes. It is grown as an annual, and less often as a biennial plant. Erect stems, silvery leaves and single basket-shaped inflorescences are blue cornflower.
Photo: 2sotki.ru
Pink cornflower
And again the name speaks for itself, so its peculiarity is single pink inflorescences about 5 cm in diameter. The leaves and shoots of pink cornflowers are slightly lighter.
Photo: flo.discus-club.ru
Field cornflower
An herbaceous annual with delicate blue-blue heads that bloom in late spring. It is often planted in flower beds in group compositions.
Photo: youtube.com
Meadow cornflower
A perennial herbaceous species with stiff, straight, tall stems. The inflorescences of such cornflowers are usually white or pinkish, and the leaves and shoots seem to be covered with a silvery coating.
Photo: etnomagazin.ru
Large-headed cornflower
One of the tallest species, up to 120 cm in height and with large yellow inflorescences up to 7 cm in diameter. Large-headed cornflower blooms by mid-summer.
Photo: dachnaya-zhizn.ru
White cornflower
It is distinguished not only by its white color, but also by its voluminous double inflorescences, approximately 4 cm in diameter. But this species is listed in the Red Book throughout Europe.
Photo: sady-msk.ru
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Bride (Bride)
An unpretentious annual with large fragrant white flowers. This stunning snow-white cornflower is ideal for cutting. Its height is 60-100 cm, and the diameter of the flower is about 30 cm. In the strict sense of the word, it is not even very similar to the traditional cornflower. And only the characteristic structure of the flower indicates that it clearly belongs to the Asteraceae family.
The tubular flowers are very elegant due to the deeply cut edges of the corolla. An ideal “candidate” for a place of honor in any bouquet, it will, however, be able to decorate any flower bed on your site, especially since it blooms from May to July.
- What types of flower beds are there?
What is the difference between a flowerbed and a front garden, and a rockery from an alpine hill?
To increase the splendor of the plant, it is necessary to periodically pinch it.
Caring for cornflowers
If you choose the right area for cornflowers, even an inexperienced beginner can easily handle the care. Despite all its visual fragility, the plant causes almost no trouble!
Temperature and lighting
Cornflowers are heat-loving, so they need a warm and bright area without drafts. It is important that they do not shade themselves, so when planting, leave 15-50 cm between the bushes, depending on the size of the variety.
Photo: 2sotki.ru
Watering
Cornflowers do not tolerate stagnation of water in the soil very well, so you should not flood them. They will grow poorly in areas with close groundwater. Additional moderate watering is needed only in the absence of rain for a long time.
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The soil
The ideal soil for cornflowers is light loam. You also need to get rid of excessive acidity, so add lime to the soil as needed in the fall. Sawdust or sand are suitable as a baking powder.
Photo: oir.mobi
Fertilizers and fertilizing
Cornflowers need fertilizing mainly to extend the flowering period, so pay attention to potassium-phosphorus mixtures. It is enough to use complex preparations once every 2-3 weeks when watering.
Photo: cvetyportal.ru
Trimming
Cornflowers grow strongly and actively reproduce by self-sowing, so the plantings need to be thinned and trimmed periodically. There are two types of pruning - low and high. When low, no more than 10 cm of shoots remain, and in the end this has a great effect on the aesthetics of the flower bed. When tall, the stems are shortened just before the inflorescences, and this method is better for beginners.
Photo: flosium.ru
Wintering
Perennial varieties easily overwinter in open ground in the middle zone and even further north. Most of them do not require shelter and do not cause problems at all. It is enough to trim the bushes short before winter.
Photo: oir.mobi
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Where is it used and are there any contraindications?
Dried cornflower flowers are often used for medicinal purposes. Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... Homeopaths use cornflower raw materialCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can turn blue, for the preparation of diuretic infusions, infusions and anti-inflammatory herbal teas.
Cornflower blue decoction is recommended for eliminating edema, improving diuresis, for heart ailments, urinary tract diseases, cystitis, urethritis and for the treatment of the prostate.
Infusion of cornflowerCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become i... blue. It regulates the water-salt balance in the body, eliminates the first signs of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, washes sand from the kidneys, has a choleretic, anti-inflammatory effect and a slight analgesic effect.
Cornflower decoctions have antispasmodic and mild sedative effects. Cornflower Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... used for cholecystitis, liver diseases, metabolic disorders in the body, cholangitis and diseases of the nasopharynx.
Cornflower Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... often found in anti-inflammatory and diuretic preparations, containing bearberry, licorice root and ginger. Cornflower infusion is taken according to Art. l. up to 4 times a day, on an empty stomach.
Cornflower decoctionCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... used in cosmetology, lotions are prepared from the plant, the extract and esters are included in the composition of creams, moisturizing and soothing pastes for facial care. Frozen cube of cornflower decoctionCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... tones the skin, fights increased oiliness, irritation, redness, enlarged pores and eliminates acne.
Thanks to its antibacterial and disinfecting effects, herbalists use cornflower infusions. Cornflower is an excellent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... in the treatment of eyes and respiratory infections.
The plant is also used to rinse hair; the flower stimulates hair growth, nourishes the roots, and relieves dandruff and itching. In combination with a decoction of nettle and burdock, cornflowerCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... blue fights alopecia, makes hair strong, thick and shiny.
Cosmetology actively uses cosmetic preparations based on cornflowerCornflower is an excellent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... to eliminate blue circles, swelling, excessive puffiness under the eyes, and lotions with a decoction of cornflowerCornflower is an excellent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal... blue to eliminate irritation and redness of the eyes.
Alcohol tincture of cornflowerCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become an ideal..., in a totem with celandine, it fights fungal skin infections, ulcers, eczema, and also helps speed up the healing process of wounds and abrasions. Cornflower Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become... blue also has hemostatic properties, it is used during uterine blood loss. Rinsing with a decoction of cornflowerCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become id... and oak bark, will eliminate gum disease and bleeding.
Like all medicinal herbs, cornflowerCornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become id...blue has its own contraindications. The flower is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as it is mildly toxic and affects blood clotting. During pregnancy, cyanide, contained in large quantities in cornflower, Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become i..., are able to penetrate the placental barrier and negatively affect the fetus.
In addition to expectant mothers, persons with individual intolerance and allergy sufferers should not take medicinal infusions of cornflower. Cornflower is a magnificent representative of the Asteraceae family, which can become i..., without consulting a doctor. People with high blood clotting and open stomach ulcers should also refrain from treatment with herbal decoctions.
Planting and propagation
Cornflowers in their natural environment reproduce well by self-sowing. But for a decorative flower bed, the seedling method is better suited. By the end of March, plant the seeds in moist soil, lightly sprinkle with soil and leave warm under film until germination.
After sprouting, remove the film and move the containers to the light. When 2 leaves appear, thin the seedlings, leave the strongest ones, and pinch the rest at ground level. They can be transplanted into the garden when they grow to 10 cm.
Seeds can be sown immediately in open ground, but not earlier than the beginning of May, when the threat of frost has passed. Shoots will appear in a couple of weeks. And perennial varieties can be planted with seeds before winter, when the ground is already a little frozen.
At the end of summer, cornflowers can be propagated by dividing the bush. The mother plant must be carefully dug up, washed, cut off all excess shoots and separate the healthy part with at least three buds. After this, the cornflowers need to be planted, trimmed to 10 cm and watered regularly.
Photo: ugra-news.ru
The legend of the cornflower flower
Like many other wildflowers, the cornflower flower has several beautiful stories of origin and use. According to one of them, which was known to Carl Linnaeus, the centaur Chiron, wounded by the famous Hercules, was healed with the help of this plant. In honor of the mythical creature with a human torso on the body of a horse, who perfectly knew the healing properties of all herbs and plants on earth, the flower was given the scientific Latin name “centaurea”.
The Slavic legend about the cornflower says that there lived a guy named Vasily who worked on his arable land. One day a mermaid saw him at work and fell in love. When, after his work, Vasily went to the river to wash himself, then it appeared before him in all its glory. The guy fell in love with the mermaid, and they began to choose a place where they would live together. After heated debates, everyone stood their ground - the guy wanted to live near the arable land, and the mermaid in the water. Then the beloved, in desperation, turned Vasily into a flower, hoping that the rain would bring him to the river, but the plant firmly holds on to the fertile soil with its strong roots.
Pests and diseases of cornflowers
Cornflowers rarely get sick and are almost not afraid of pests. They have only two main problems - fungus and mites. The most common fungal disease is fusarium, which quickly deteriorates the leaves. It is necessary to remove all affected areas, disinfect the cuts and treat the planting with fungicides.
Spider mites multiply intensively in hot and dry weather. The leaves turn yellow, and the plants are completely covered with a whitish coating called cobwebs. Special insecticides or spraying with an ordinary soap solution help against ticks.
Photo: oir.mobi
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Description of the plant
Cornflower is a wonderful-looking flower with many popular names - Blavat, Perepolok, Voloshka, Bobylnik and others. For a long time, this plant has been repeatedly described in fairy tales and legends, and was also used as an epithet or an accompanying word in epics and poems. And for good reason, because the plant really deserves respect and attention. Today there are more than 500 species of cornflowers in the world, which grow beautifully in Europe, Asia and America.
Cornflower is an ornamental growing plant that can reach a height of 40 to 120 cm. It is decorated with pinnately dissected or whole leaves, which are arranged in a regular order on the stem. Flowers present an enviable variety of shades and shapes for every gardener and breeder - blue, purple, cyan, pink, whitish, yellow.
Cornflowers – photo
Just look how spectacular and bright simple and unassuming cornflowers can be!
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Plant diseases
Cornflowers do not need any special protection measures, as they are very resistant to disease. Sometimes they can be affected by fusarium - dark spots on the leaves. This disease can be easily eliminated by chemical treatment using foundationazole.
Also, to harden and prevent plants, professional gardeners often use folk remedies - spraying plants with an infusion of fresh cow manure or foliar watering with the same composition, as well as sprinkling with ash. If the disease does not go away, then the damaged shoots should be cut off and burned to prevent the spread of the disease.
Medicinal properties
The plant is used in folk medicine and pharmaceuticals. Cornflower flowers contain large amounts of:
- mineral salts;
- vitamins;
- tannins;
- alkaloids;
- glycosides;
- flavonoids.
The procurement of raw materials is carried out during the flowering period. Only fresh, unwilted inflorescences are used. They are thoroughly dried in a dark, ventilated place and stored in an airtight container.
Water and alcohol infusions, decoctions or teas are prepared from the resulting raw materials. The drugs have diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic, antimicrobial, choleretic, laxative, analgesic, and antispasmodic effects on the body.
Cornflower is taken orally for gastrointestinal upset, cough, nervous tension, menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. When used externally, the condition of the skin and hair improves, irritation goes away and wounds heal.
Since the plant contains cyanide, which can accumulate in the body, taking cornflower preparations should be started after consulting a doctor. Treatment is completely contraindicated for pregnant women, people with allergies, and children under 12 years of age.
Use of colors
Now you know exactly how to grow cornflowers, what you need to feed these wonderful flowers and how to propagate them around the site, but there are still some interesting facts that we would like to share with you. It turns out that plant materials from the flower are often used in medicine. We will not describe in detail each recipe and methods of use, but simply mention that the flower is quite successfully used in gynecology, eye diseases, skin diseases, cuts and fractures, cosmetology, colds, and so on. In addition, cornflowers can also be used to increase a person’s appetite by giving him a pleasant herbal decoction.
