Blog by Heather Hamilton, UC Master Gardener
I am always on the lookout to add something new and beautiful to my garden. A few years ago, I stumbled upon a wildflower called Corn Cockle, which is the common name for Agrostemma githago. A beautiful purple, pink or white herbaceous annual that would be fabulous in any meadow or cottage garden. It is in the Caryophyllaceae family, which also includes Gypsophila (babies breath) and Dianthus. (carnations).
It grows between 24 and 36 inches and needs well-drained soil and full sun. It has grey-green foliage and seems rather thin. Its composite-style flower is pink to lavender or white in color. It grows between May and September and all summer here.
I have not tried this one from seed, but I imagine it would be simple, considering it was a common weed in wheat fields of Europe in the early 1900s. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous. It requires very low maintenance and can tolerate drought, but does better with water. Deadheading will promote more flowers, just as most flowers do. It makes a wonderful cut flower and gives the airy, wispy charm of a wildflower ,which is perfect for my cottage garden. Keep your eye out for this beauty.
