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Cornflower blue(or hairworm, as this plant is popularly called) is rightfully considered an adornment of fields and forest belts, without which it is difficult to imagine wild nature. But few people know that this plant has medicinal properties, which since ancient times helped our ancestors treat many diseases. About amazing properties blue cornflower, the scope of its application in traditional and folk medicine will be discussed in this article.
Description of the cornflower plant
Knapweed is a seed-propagating weed that grows along roads, near forest belts, as well as in crops of winter crops such as rye and wheat.There are about 500 species of cornflowers, the color of which varies from snow-white to dark purple. But medicinal properties have only flowers of blue, light blue and purple shades. The height of the stem of this plant does not exceed 100 cm. Blue cornflower grows mainly in central and northern Russia, as well as in Western Siberia.
Cornflower collection
Cornflowers used in medicinal purposes, must be collected during flowering, namely from June to September, when the flowers (or corollas) of the plant fully bloom. Medicinal raw materials are made from blue marginal flowers, which are carefully separated from the internal tubular flowers, the inclusion of which in the raw materials reduces the quality of the medicine.Storage
The marginal flowers of the cornflower are sorted out, removing not only the receptacle and internal tubular flowers, but also the faded marginal flowers, and then dried in a warm and shaded place. It is best to dry voloska flowers under a canopy, spreading the raw materials in a thin layer (the use of dryers is allowed, the temperature in which should be 40 - 50 degrees). But you can’t dry cornflowers in the sun, because the burnt raw material, which will turn white under the influence of rays, loses its healing properties. The shelf life of dry cornflowers is two years. Properly dried raw materials have the following characteristics:
- has no smell;
- retains bright blue color;
- has a bitter taste.
Composition of cornflower
AnthocyaninsNatural dyes, which are the strongest natural antioxidants and secondary metabolites.
The effect of anthocyanins on the body:
- prevention of Alzheimer's disease;
- reducing the fragility of capillaries and blood vessels;
- slowing down the aging process;
- preventing bleeding;
- reducing the risk of cancer and diabetes;
- strengthening the heart muscle;
- improvement of metabolism;
- fight against bacterial infections;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- elimination of inflammatory processes.
They have a diuretic, vasodilator, antimicrobial, disinfectant, expectorant, and sedative effect.
Polyacetylene compounds
By being involved in the metabolism of an aging body, polyacetylene compounds have an immunomodulatory effect, namely, they cleanse organs directly at the cellular level, providing a restorative effect, contributing not only to the preservation, but also to the strengthening of health.
In addition, the following connections:
- strengthen blood vessels;
- lower blood pressure;
- prevent the development of cancer.
They have the following range of actions:
- pain reliever;
- hemostatic;
- sedative;
- hypotensive (lower blood pressure).
Thanks to the mucus contained in cornflower, medicines from this plant have enveloping, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins
They act on the body as an anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, bacteriostatic, and also an astringent.
Saponins
They have the following properties:
- expectorant;
- antisclerotic;
- diuretic;
- antiulcer;
- sedative;
- diuretic;
- tonic.
Pectins
Properties of pectins:
- lowering cholesterol levels in the body;
- normalization of all metabolic processes;
- improvement of peripheral blood circulation;
- normalization of intestinal motility;
- cleansing the body of harmful substances(in this case, the bacteriological balance of the body is not disturbed).
Composition of flowers blue cornflower includes the following mineral salts:
1. Potassium:
- normalizes metabolism;
- significantly strengthens the heart muscle.
- responsible for the condition of the teeth and skeleton;
- normalizes metabolism;
- strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- eliminates depression;
- relieves stress;
- strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
- normalizes the digestion process.
5. Copper– strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Action of Vitamin C:
- normalization of the central nervous system;
- stimulation of the activity of the endocrine glands;
- improved iron absorption;
- ensuring the normal process of hematopoiesis.
Resins
They have disinfectant, antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.
Carotene
A natural immunostimulant that significantly increases the body’s immune potential, regardless of the type of antigen. In addition, carotene is an excellent antioxidant that protects the human body from negative impact free radicals and reducing the likelihood of developing cancer.
Coumarins
They reduce blood clotting, and therefore plants containing them are indicated for people with a tendency to thrombosis, strokes, and heart attacks. Coumarins have antiseptic, astringent and diuretic properties.
Properties
The medicinal properties of the plant are due to its chemical composition. Cornflower has the following effects on the body:- wound healing;
- sedative;
- pain reliever;
- antispasmodic;
- diuretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antipyretic;
- antimicrobial;
- diuretic;
- choleretic;
- immunomodulatory;
- diaphoretic.
Properties of blue cornflower - video
Indications for the use of cornflower preparations
IN folk medicine flowers, seeds and inflorescences of cornflower are used.Flowers
Preparations made from cornflower flowers are used in complex therapy to treat the following diseases:- chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract;
- swelling caused by kidney disease;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- pyelitis;
- nephritis;
- cystitis;
- neuroses;
- increased fatigue of the visual apparatus itself.
Seeds
Crushed cornflower seeds are used to eliminate warts, for which it is enough to sprinkle the new growth with dried raw materials. Also, seeds and crushed cornflower leaves are applied to wounds, which promotes their rapid healing. Cornflower inflorescence
In folk medicine, cornflower inflorescence is widely used, a decoction of which is used for the following conditions:- stomach pain;
- diseases of the uterus;
Steamed herb is applied to the affected area for muscle and tendon sprains.
Cornflower recipes
Cornflower preparations have a pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, choleretic and mild diuretic effect, therefore they are used by official medicine as an additional remedy for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system. According to the results clinical trials, cornflower flowers help cure diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Also, its preparations normalize digestion. In folk medicine, this plant is used as an antipyretic and analgesic for colds, as well as infectious diseases. Thus, cornflower tea improves the digestion process and increases appetite. Cornflower infusion lotions are indicated for the treatment of certain eye diseases accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process.
Those who want to lose weight will also appreciate the effect of cornflower, because decoctions and tinctures from the flowers of this plant remove all excess fluid from the body and directly from fat deposits.
Infusion
An infusion of cornflower flowers, which has antifever, diuretic and diaphoretic effects, is used in the treatment of:- colds;
- kidney and bladder diseases.
So, to treat a cold you need 3 tsp. dry cornflower grass pour 400 ml of boiling water, after which the product is infused for 2 hours and filtered. Take 1 tbsp infusion. four times a day, 15 minutes before meals. This infusion can be used as lotions and compresses.
Tincture
Cornflower tinctures, which are more effective than decoctions and infusions, are used to increase appetite, as well as to treat diseases of the genitourinary system.To prepare the tincture, cornflower flowers are poured with vodka at the rate of 1 to 10. The medicine is infused for two weeks and filtered. Take 20 drops (the product is diluted in a tablespoon of warm water) three times a day, before eating.
Decoction
A decoction of blue cornflower is used as a lotion for various eye diseases as an anti-inflammatory agent. Since this plant has an expectorant effect (thanks to the saponins it contains), preparations from cornflower are recommended for:- laryngitis;
Cornflower oil
An oil infusion of cornflower flowers is used to relieve inflammation of the eyelids. To prepare the infusion, 1 tbsp. flowers are poured with 150 ml of oil and infused for several hours. A cotton swab is moistened with the infusion and placed on the eyelids for 15 minutes, after which it is recommended to wipe skin around the eyes with a swab dipped in the infusion.Cornflower oil gives the skin elasticity, moisturizing and tightening it. Also, the above-mentioned infusion removes wrinkles (both small and large).
Cornflower oil is recommended as a sedative used when taking water procedures. The point is that essential oils, as well as glycosides contained in cornflower, perfectly relieve fatigue, toning the body as a whole.
Extract
The extract of this plant affects the body as follows:- reduces swelling of the skin;
- smoothes out small and large wrinkles;
- normalizes the secretion of the sebaceous glands;
- tightens pores;
- relieves the feeling of eye fatigue;
- eliminates swelling.
Tea with cornflower
Tea, which includes cornflower, has a mild analgesic and antipyretic effect, thanks to the biological compounds it contains. active substances. Tea with cornflower is excellent prophylactic, cleanses the body of toxins and waste. For cooking medicinal tea 1 tsp cornflower petals are poured with a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour. Drink tea twice a day.
Cornflower for eyes
Due to its anti-inflammatory and tonic properties, cornflower is widely used to treat eye diseases.Infusion for "night blindness"
2 tsp cornflower flowers (dry or fresh) are poured into 200 ml of boiling water for two hours, after which the infusion is infused for an hour, filtered and used as a lotion, up to 8 times a day.Treatment will be more effective if you drink 50 g of infusion three times a day, 20 minutes after meals.
Infusion for lacrimation
1 tbsp. cornflower flowers are poured with 400 ml of boiling water, after which the product is infused for one hour and filtered. Used for lotions.You can also make lotions and eye drops from the infusion of the plant’s flowers, for which 1 tsp. raw materials are poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused in a thermos for 8 hours. The infusion is filtered through cotton wool and then dropped into the eyes (4-5 drops per eye).
Collection for relieving eye inflammation
Ingredients (taken in equal parts): - cornflower flowers;
- snapdragon flowers;
- eyebright;
- herbaceous elderberry flowers.
Conjunctivitis collection
Ingredients:- cornflower flowers – 2 parts;
- rosehip flowers – 1 part;
- chamomile flowers – 1 part;
- large plantain leaves – 1 part;
- elderberry flowers – 1 part.
Today we are talking about flowers, but not about all of them, only about one - the Cornflower flower. What secret meaning does it carry and what lies behind it? beautiful view?
Giving flowers is a wonderful and amazing tradition that has come down to us since ancient times. Nowadays, few people know the symbolism of flowers. And back in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the help of these graceful and beautiful plants it was possible to express the whole gamut of feelings from all-consuming love to burning hatred.
Young people of the Pushkin century read with interest dictionaries and books about the meaning of plants, gave flowers and bouquets of them, investing in this a special and even secret, intimate meaning.
The method of transmitting information using colors is called the “language of flowers.” It is believed that this extraordinary method of conveying emotions and feelings arose in eastern countries, where Muslim women and girls could not express their feelings openly.
Currently, the “language of flowers” is not as popular as it once was and few people know the true meaning of flowers, their secret meaning. But, nevertheless, every year interest in such an original method of conveying feelings is growing and gaining popularity.
This is due to the fact that by giving a flower, you can express a variety of feelings: love and hatred, sadness and joy, expectation and meeting. Flowers also come to the aid of those who do not dare to openly express their feelings. One of these plants is simple, but at the same time beautiful flower knapweed.
It is believed that the beautiful wildflower cornflower got its name from the Greek word “basilikon”, which is similar in meaning to the modern nouns “basilisk”, “basil” and own name Vasily. Cornflower flower- this is an ancient Russian borrowing from Greek language, which used to mean “royal flower.” Initially, the cornflower flower played an important role among the southern Slavs in funeral rituals and memorial ceremonies.
The botanical name of cornflower is “centaurea” is the Latin designation for the plant, which comes from the Greek word “kentaureion”. This name is associated with the centaur Chiron, the famous Greek mythological doctor who knew the healing properties of many plants, including cornflower.
There is also a version that Latin name cornflower (“centaurea”) means “one hundred yellow flowers.” In our country, cornflower is associated with blue, but in nature there are also yellow, purple, blue, white and pink cornflowers.
Botanical description of cornflower
Cornflower belongs to herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family. Nowadays, there are more than 550 species of this beautiful wildflower. There are perennial, biennial and annual cornflowers.
Wildflowers are found in different parts light: Northern and South America, Eurasia, Africa (tropics), as well as one species in Austria. The height of cornflowers can reach one hundred and twenty centimeters. The flowering period of cornflowers is from June to September.
Symbolism of cornflower
Currently, cornflower in the language of flowers means: “I don’t dare express my feelings to you!”
Besides this graceful plant symbolizes trust, loyalty, openness, delicacy, grace and simplicity. Usually cornflowers are given to girls to show their sympathy and goodwill. Also, such a gift is interpreted as an offer of friendship or renewal of acquaintance.
The famous Russian translator and poet D. P. Oznobishin in the book “Selam, or the language of flowers” highlighted the following meaning of cornflower: “be simple like him.”
When compiling this publication, Dmitry Petrovich translated a German book published in 1823 in Berlin, adding new plant names to it. The publication was very popular among young people of that time.
The ancient Slavs wildflowers two tied with cornflowers interesting holiday: “the ear went to the field”, as well as “the birthday sheaf”. The first holiday was celebrated by our ancestors at the time when the first ears of corn appeared on the field.
Young people gathered on the outskirts of their village near a field of rye, standing opposite each other in two rows. Then the girls and boys firmly took hold of the hands along which the decorated blue flowers Vasilkov girl. After this, the couples moved from last rows for the first time. This action continued until the girl walked along the hands to the field, where she descended to the ground.
In a field of rye, she picked several ears of corn, after which the whole procession went home, singing ritual songs. The second holiday took place before the harvest. The first sheaf that women collected in the field was decorated with cornflowers. They called him “birthday” and solemnly carried him into their home with songs.
Our ancestors loved to make beautiful wreaths from cornflowers, which they then hung in the house. It was believed that these field plants capable of driving away crickets. Also, cornflowers were very often the main element in the embroidery of our ancestors-craftswomen.
Natural dyes were also made from cornflowers: the plucked outer petals of the flowers were used to create blue paint, and the tubular ones were used to create a beautiful rich blue dye. It is known that natural paints made from cornflower flowers are very durable. This is evidenced by the fact that a wreath of cornflowers, discovered in a tomb, did not lose its blue color after thousands of years.
Legends about cornflowers
There are many beautiful legends associated with wildflowers cornflowers. In Russian legends, the name of this marvelous plant is associated with the old legend about the love of a beautiful mermaid and an ordinary plowman Vasily.
Two loving hearts could not decide where it is better to live in water or on land. As a result, the mermaid turns her lover into a beautiful blue flower that resembles the blue of water.
According to German legend, blue cornflowers are small fragments of the sky with which a golden rye field fell in love. And even now you can see that with every breath of wind, the ears of rye bend towards the beautiful cornflowers, quietly whispering wonderful words of love.
Healing properties of the flower
Cornflowers have been actively used in medicine and cosmetology since ancient times. Due to the presence of antiviral and antibacterial properties, large quantity useful substances cornflowers irreplaceable helpers in the treatment of various diseases.
The plant is widely used in folk medicine as a diuretic and choleretic agent. In addition, cornflowers have an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect. In cosmetology cornflower flower used as a tonic. The plant is believed to have a rejuvenating effect.
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The cornflower flower belongs to the genus herbaceous plants family Asteraceae or this family is also called Asteraceae. The flower has a straight stem that can reach over a meter in height. The flowers are collected in baskets and can be different colors: white, yellow, blue, pink, blue, purple, red or burgundy. The plant can be annual, biennial or perennial. Flowers begin to bloom in June and can delight with their beauty until late autumn.
Cornflower can be found almost throughout Europe and throughout Russia. Most known species- this is Blue Cornflower, which is found in fields, in winter crops, and in vacant lots. The plant reproduces by seeds.
The plant itself is unpretentious, drought-resistant and frost-resistant. Loves the sun very much. It can grow in one place for up to 10 years and still maintain lush flowering. Practically not susceptible to disease. Thanks to its unpretentiousness and beautiful flowering, very common among gardeners.
Application of Cornflower:
The cornflower flower is used in cooking. Its leaves have a delicate aroma and are often used as a seasoning for dishes.
Medicine has not been spared cornflowers either. This flower has diuretic properties. Therefore, cornflower decoctions are used for kidney diseases, edema, etc. Cornflower decoctions also have choleretic properties. It is also used for liver diseases, including jaundice. Cornflower also has antipyretic, diaphoretic and bactericidal properties.
The flower is often used in cosmetics. Is cornflower in demand and how? decorative flower. Cornflower is also mentioned as a dye for easter eggs. But in our time, when food dyes are available, it is unlikely that people will run into the field for cornflowers.
Flower Cornflower video
Cornflower varieties:
Blue cornflower is the most famous variety. Features very beautiful turquoise color flowers, the length of the flower stem can reach a height of 80 cm. One- or two-year-old plant. You can meet them in fields, wastelands, meadows.
Mountain cornflower
Mountain cornflower – perennial. Can grow on any soil. Very unpretentious plant– can survive in difficult conditions. Flowers can be blue, purple, burgundy. It can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
White cornflower
White cornflower is a rare variety of flower that is listed in the Red Book. It is distinguished by white flowers and double petals. At the same time, the growth of the flower is quite small - up to 30 cm in height.
Large-headed cornflower is a perennial plant. It is distinguished by its large size. The height of the flower can reach more than 1 meter. The flowers also differ in their size - they can be up to 7 cm in diameter. The color of the flowers is light or bright yellow.
Meadow cornflower is a perennial plant, the size of which can reach up to 80 cm in height. The color of the flowers is lilac, pink, less often white. The plant is covered with a cobwebby cover. Flowers are collected in baskets.
Yellow cornflower is a perennial plant whose size can reach up to 1 meter in height. The color of the flowers is bright yellow and the cornflower flower is approximately 5 cm in diameter. The stem is thick and straight.
Eastern cornflower
Eastern cornflower is a large perennial plant that can reach 120 cm in height. The flowers are quite large, collected in baskets.
Whitened cornflower is one of the most beautiful views cornflower. It can reach up to 60 cm in height. Lower leaves there may be white, and the top ones are green. The cornflower flower itself is also beautiful. The color of the flowers is bright pink.
Pink cornflower is a perennial plant up to 1 meter in height. Inflorescences are large and solitary pink color. The flower stems are strong and swollen under the inflorescences.
Spreading cornflower is a biennial plant up to 50 cm in height. The flowers are white or pink, collected in baskets. The plant itself is very spreading.
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Cornflower – ornamental plant from the Asteraceae family. In nature there are blue, pink, purple, red, white, burgundy and yellow. Growing among the ears of wheat in the field. Cornflowers, as seen in the photo, look like light snowflakes. They are becoming increasingly popular. Flowers are planted in flower beds and personal plots. The picture confirms this.
Popular cornflower is blue called a hair. This plant is an annual, can reach a height of up to 80 cm. On its stem there is always one double or semi-double bud up to 5 cm in diameter. Blooms from mid-June to late autumn.
This flower is widespread in Asia, America and especially in Europe. You can meet him in North Africa. Scientists count up to 500 species of this plant, differing in the shape of the edges of the flower and the baskets of inflorescences. They are cylindrical and spherical, as can be seen in the picture.
- Mountain cornflower. Perennial, reaching a height of 40 cm, with blue flowers that bloom in June-July.
- Whitened cornflower. It got its name due to the unusual color of the leaves (whitish-pubescent below). It can grow up to 80 cm in height. The flowers are bright pink, with a white center.
- The large-headed cornflower (in the picture) has bright yellow flowers and large buds up to 80 cm high, as can be seen in the photo.
- Beautiful cornflower. It has pinnately dissected leaves and mauve flowers, spherical in shape and reaches a height of only 20 cm.
- Rough cornflower (photo) has a purple color and can reach a height of 1 meter.
You can admire the plant in the photo of flowers. Cornflowers look charming.
Plant in folk medicine
This plant is medicinal. Its flowers contain flavonoids, dyes, ascorbic acid and carotene. The most effective are decoctions and infusions of the plant.
The flower is considered to have a good diuretic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic and analgesic effect.
Its decoction is taken for diseases of the cardiac system, headaches and stomach pain.
Baths with a decoction of this plant are used for gynecological diseases, eczema, rheumatism, diathesis, diarrhea, jaundice and dropsy.
But these flowers, like all other plants, have some contraindications. It should be used after consultation with a doctor and only in complex therapy.
Application in cosmetology
The medicinal properties of the plant can be use for oily skin care, for split ends and hair loss, for the treatment of seborrhea. For this, an infusion of plant flowers is used. You can rinse your hair with it after washing or rub it into the scalp.
Growing cornflower
You need to grow flowers in the garden in open, sunny places. If planting is done with other plants, then cornflowers are planted in the first row so that they receive enough light.
They decorate the area with small groups of windrows. Their tall species look great near bushes. Flowers not only decorate the soil, but also protect it from erosion.
Cornflower is often planted to decorate flower beds. The photo demonstrates this perfectly.
It looks effective in flower beds with perennial poppy and calendula. They bloom at the same time, forming an original meadow. For alpine slides must be used low-growing species plants.
Neighboring plants for cornflower
Cornflowers are not bad Compatible with the following plants:
- blue aquilegia;
- dicentric;
- silver-blue alpine eryngium;
- Fassin's catnip.
Annuals are grown in balcony boxes and in pots on window sills outside.
Seeds are sown in April-May. The soil should be rich in humus with neutral acidity. Sand is added to clay soil. Lime should be added to acidic soil (1 cm layer) once every 3 years and only in the fall.
For abundant flowering fertilizing can be done before flowering begins.
Annuals are sown with seeds in open ground in spring or autumn. A transplant is not required because it is poorly tolerated.
If seedlings are needed, they should be grown in peat tablets. It is also necessary to plant in open ground at the end of May.
The seedlings need to be thinned out, leaving a distance between flowers of up to 30 cm.
Reproduction by root division
This type of propagation is used for transplanting perennials. In August, the flowers must be dug up and the stem cut, leaving only 10 cm in length. Free the roots from the soil, wash and cut into 2 parts. Each part should have 2-3 buds.
The cuttings are planted in holes fertilized with compost. Seedlings need to be watered 3 times a week. But the soil should dry out slightly before watering. Next summer the flowers will bloom profusely.
If you need seeds, then you need to wait until the petals on the inflorescence fade and its center darkens. Plucked inflorescences are necessary store 3 weeks in a dry place. Then shake the seeds out of the head and store in a paper bag at room temperature.
Disease Control
Of the diseases, cornflower can only be threatened by fusarium wilt. This is a fungal disease. Therefore, it is necessary to treat not only the plant itself, but also the soil. The soil is sprinkled with ash, fertilized with a weak infusion of manure or foundation.
13 Jun 2015
Cornflowers- not flashy flowers, but they have a natural charm and are well suited for creating natural style flower beds.
Cornflowers are distributed throughout the world, in Russia the name of the flower is given by the name Vasily, which means “royal” because of the crown-like marginal flowers. Latin name this flower is Centaurea, which means “centaur”, since according to Greek legend the centaur Chiron healed his wounds with these flowers.
The genus Centaurea includes up to 500 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants from the Asteraceae family. In cornflowers, the flowers are basket-shaped inflorescences, in the middle of which there are small tubular flowers, and on the outer edge there are larger funnel-shaped flowers. The color of cornflower flowers can be blue, light blue, pink, lilac, yellow and white.
In ancient times, cornflowers were weeds for peasants, since the fields of rye were full of blue lights. This annual blue cornflower (Centaureacyanus) or field, and among the people it was called cherlok, voloshka, blavat, weasel, blue, sinyushnitsa, blue flower.
Knapweed blue blooms from June until autumn frosts. It has a thin, strong, erect stem, up to 70 cm high, branching at the top. The inflorescences, 2.5-4 cm in diameter, are bright blue around the edge and dark blue in the center. There are varieties with white, pink, purple, red and even bicolor flowers.
Previously, from the juice of the inner dark blue small tubular flowers, which are located in the center of the basket, a bright blue paint, and from the blue marginal flowers the paint was made pale blue.
After flowering, cornflowers ripen seeds with a fluffy tuft, so they easily scatter over long distances and multiply like a weed. Cornflowers have minimal requirements for growing conditions and grow well in dry and damp places, but bloom profusely only in open sunny places.
Cornflowers look great alone, as well as in a group with other bright summer flowers with poppies, daisies, esoltia, and calendula. Seeds low-growing varieties cornflowers are included in the Moorish lawn mixture, which creates a vibrant lawn of wildflowers.
Annual cornflowers They are very unpretentious, bloom for a long time from June to September, so gardeners are happy to decorate their flower beds with cornflowers. Annual cornflowers are propagated by seeds; they are sown directly into the ground in April - late May; they can also be sown before winter. Shoots appear after a week, and after some time the seedlings are thinned out leaving a distance of 10-12 cm between plants.
Perennial cornflowers require minimal care Moreover, these plants are long-lived, living up to 10 years or more without replanting. However, some types of perennial cornflowers grow rapidly due to their creeping rhizomes, suppressing neighboring plants. But there are perennial cornflowers with a tap root; they are less aggressive and slowly spread in breadth, so they reproduce mainly by seeds.
Meadow cornflower (Centaureajacea) can often be found on forest edges and clearings. This plant is up to 80 cm high with strong, erect stems, branched at the top. At the tops of the stems, single large inflorescences-baskets with lilac-pink and white flowers are formed. The stems and leaves of the plant are covered with pile, like a cobweb, so they appear bluish. Knapweed meadow blossoms from mid-summer until frost, it is propagated by seeds.
Mountain cornflower (Centaureamontana) grows in meadows in the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, Alps and Balkans. This cornflower looks spectacular in gardens, but quickly grows into a dense clump, thanks to its highly branching rhizome. Slightly branched shoots reach a height of 60 cm. Large inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter blue-violet color, but there are varieties with white, pink and purple flowers. This species blooms profusely in May-June.
Mountain cornflower is propagated by seeds, sowing before winter or early spring, as well as dividing the bush. Mountain cornflower is winter-hardy and can withstand spring frosts.
Cornflower soft (Centaureamollis) its homeland is the Carpathians, where this flower adorns the meadows. Soft cornflower has a long creeping rhizome, so it grows quickly, forming dense thickets. Thin, low shoots up to 30-35 cm in length end in single blue inflorescences. It blooms all summer, is unpretentious and disease resistant. Easily propagated by cuttings of rhizomes and seeds.
Fisher's cornflower (Centaureafischeru) comes from the Caucasus, it has unusual large inflorescences reaching 9 cm in diameter, white or lilac pink. Erect shoots 30-50 cm high have silvery pubescence. Blooms from June to August.
Cornflower large-headed forms a tall bush up to 120 cm with large cones that open into bright yellow inflorescences-baskets. Blooms from July to mid-August. Propagated by seeds, does not tolerate bush division. This tall cornflower is best placed in the background in flower beds.
Growing cornflowers
All cornflowers are light-loving plants, so they bloom well only in sunny places, under trees; even with slight shading or dense planting, they grow worse.
The soil for growing cornflowers must be well prepared, filled with humus, and have a neutral reaction.
Most cornflowers prefer moderate moisture; these flowers are watered only when necessary during periods of drought. The rest of caring for cornflowers consists of weeding and loosening. Complex feeding mineral fertilizer This is done regularly only for cut flowers.
Cornflowers bloom in June - July. Perennial species in the first year they have not yet gained strength to bloom profusely, but they are already forming lush bush from leaves. Faded shoots are cut off at the level leaf rosette. The basal leaves of cornflowers go green under the snow.