Agrostemma


Agrostemma. githago ocean pearls © Thompson & Morgan	Agrostemma. githago pink pearls © Thompson & Morgan

Agrostemma were at one time considered to be a weed, growing in cornfields, where its poisonous seeds would contaminate grain, however, these days this delightful annual brings summer colour to the domestic flower garden.

The white to plum-pink or purple flowers up to 3in (8cm) across are borne on slender down covered stems, which carry thin mid-green to grey-green leaves.

Corn Cockle is equally at home in the wildflower, butterfly, or cottage garden, where when mixed with other hardy annuals it helps to create a bright tapestry of colour.

Varieties: -


Agrostemma. coeli-rosa	See: Silene. coeli-rosa

Agrostemma. githago	Form: Fast growing erect annual with thin stems. Height: 2-3ft (60cm-1m) Spread: 1ft (30cm) Foliage: Having lance-shaped, mid-green leaves Flowers: In mid-summer producing five-petalled, open, trumpet-shaped, pink flowers 3in (8cm) across. Seeds are tiny, brown and poisonous

Agrostemma. githago 'Ocean Pearl' © Thompson & Morgan

Agrostemma. githago 'Pink Pearl' © Thompson & Morgan

Cultivation: -

Grow in poor well-drained soil in full sun. Do not add fertilisers, for this will encourage sappy leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Sow seeds in late autumn or early spring, directly where it is intended the plants should grow.

Given the lax nature of the plants, it is beneficial to partner them with more substantial plants that will support them

Propagation: -

Sow seed directly where the plant is required to grow

Fully Hardy

Pests & Diseases: -