Corncockle 'Ocean Pearls'

'Ocean Pearls' is a selected cultivar of the native British cornfield weed, Agrostemma githago. This variety produces elegant, pure white, five-petalled flowers with very faint lines of black dots leading into the centre of the bloom. It is a tall, graceful plant, reaching up to 90cm-1m, with slender, grey-green leaves and downy stems that give it a soft, ethereal appearance in the border. It is a hardy annual (H6) and is incredibly easy to grow from a direct sowing in spring or autumn. It is perfect for a wildflower meadow, a white garden, or a contemporary prairie-style planting. However, gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested. In the UK, it is valued for its ability to provide height and movement without being overly dense. It may require some light support from 'pea and bean' netting or twiggy hazel stakes to prevent it from flopping in wind or rain. It is highly attractive to bees and makes a lovely, simple cut flower.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to average soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.