Lady Mauve Cornflower is a classic heirloom variety of Centaurea cyanus that brings soft, dusky purple blooms to gardens from spring through summer. Growing 24 to 36 inches tall on sturdy stems, this cornflower reaches full flower in about 70 days from seed, thriving in full sun with moderate water once established. Its drought tolerance and pollinator-friendly flowers make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and ecological benefit, while its deer resistance means it persists where other flowers disappear.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
36in H x 10in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The mauve petals of this heirloom cornflower unfold steadily from March through August, attracting bees and butterflies throughout the season. Its exceptional drought tolerance means you can sow it and largely let nature take over, though a deep watering during establishment pays dividends. The flowers rise on long, slender stems perfect for cutting, and the plant thrives in poor soil where fussier flowers would falter, making it genuinely low-maintenance once it settles in.
These flowers are primarily grown for cutting arrangements and garden color, producing stems ideal for bouquets. The blooms also attract and support pollinators throughout their long flowering season, making them valuable for gardens designed to feed bees and butterflies.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow directly outdoors in early spring, about 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. In zones 7 through 10, you can also sow in October for fall establishment. Barely cover the seeds, pressing them lightly into the soil so light still reaches them.
Cut the long flower stems for arrangements once the flowers open fully, typically around 70 days after sowing. Morning harvests yield the longest vase life. Cutting flowers regularly encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.