Bluebottles


Bluebottle

There are some 450 species of annual, biennials, perennials, and subshrubs n this genus, which occurs in Mediterranean regions, Eurasia, N America, and Australia. Various species are grown as ornamentals for their brightly colored, thistle-like flowers. Cornflower (C. cyanus) is the best-known herb in the genus, although greater knapweed (C. scabiosa), black knapweed (C. nigra), and perennial cornflower (C. montana) have similar properties. According to the Doctrine of Signatures, the bright blue of cornflowers indicated that the flowers were good for eye problems. Cornflowers were common European grainfield weeds until the 1920s, but they have become increasingly scarce due to modern farming practices. Centaurea is named after the legendary centaur, Chiron, known for his knowledge of herbs, who first revealed the healing properties of knapweeds.

Tall, slender annual, sometimes over-wintering, with gray-green, lanceolate leaves. Bright blue, occasionally white, pink, or purple, flowers are borne in summer.


Common Name:
Bluebottle
Other Names:
Cornflower, bachelor's buttons
Botanical Name:
Centaurea cyanus
Genus:
Centaurea
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
Europe, Mediterranean regions.
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun. Flowers may be affected by petal blight; leaves may be damaged by rust.
Propagation:
By seed sown in situ in autumn or spring. Seedlings do not transplant well.
Harvest:
Flowers are cut as they open and dried whole or as florets, according to use.
Variations:
Blue Diadem
Has double blue flowers to 6cm (2½in) across.
Height:75cm (30in)

Florence Series
Has flowers in shades of blue, pink, carmine, and white
Height: 35cm (14in)
Height:
20cm-1m (8-36in)
Width:
15-30cm (6-12in)
Hardiness:
Hardy
Parts Used:
Flowers
Properties:
An astringent herb that reduces inflammation.
Medicinal Uses:
Externally for corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, minor wounds, or mouth ulcers.
Culinary Uses:
Florets may be used fresh in salads
Economic Uses:
Extracts of cornflower are added to hair shampoos and rinses. Florets may be dried for potpourris.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 161-162