Centaurea cyanus

Blue-bottle, Bachelor's Button, Cornflower, Bluebottle, Boutonniere Flower

Message of the Flower

Idealism

The Mother’s Comment

Delicate and harmonious, it gives elegance to life.

Colour

Traditionally blue, but cultivars may also be purple, pink, or white.

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Cultivars

Includes varieties with blue, purple, pink, and white flowers, such as 'Black Ball' (dark purple), 'Blue Boy', 'Red Boy', and 'Snowman'.

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Typically 1.5-3 cm in diameter.

Flower Texture

Somewhat bristly.

Number of Petals

The ray florets resemble petals; disk florets are tubular.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant.

Leaf Texture

Slightly hairy, with a lanceolate to linear shape.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate.

Leaf Color

Grey-green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous plant.

Life Cycle

Annual, sometimes biennial.

Blooming Period

Late spring to early fall.

Climate

Temperate

Water Requirements

Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained soil; can tolerate poor soil conditions.

Temperature Ranges

Grows best in cooler climates but can adapt to various temperatures.

Sun or Shade

Full sun.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to powdery mildew and rust; may attract aphids.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

Habitat

Native to Europe; now naturalized in many parts of North America and other regions.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators and adds biodiversity.

Ornamental

Widely cultivated in gardens for its decorative flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

A symbol of natural beauty and conservation efforts.

Endangered Status

Not endangered globally but may be threatened in its natural habitat due to agricultural intensification.