Centaurea, commonly known as Bachelor Buttons or Cornflower, is a pretty addition to the cottage garden. Cornflower seeds can be direct seeded in the autumn or spring to provide an abundance of summer blooms. Sprinkle some of the edible petals on your summer salads. Enjoy the electric blue and pastel coloured flowers in fresh or dried bouquets. The flowers are also attractive to pollinating insects.

Bloom time: Late spring through late summer.