The Cornflower: A Unique Gem of the UK
The cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), commonly known as bachelor's button, is a striking blue wildflower that has a storied past in the United Kingdom. Once a common sight in arable fields, this annual plant has become increasingly rare due to agricultural changes. Understanding its distribution, ecological significance, and the species that rely on it is essential for appreciating this beautiful bloom.
Distribution in the UK
Historically, the cornflower thrived in cornfields across the UK, often regarded as a weed among cereal crops. However, its population has drastically declined over the past century. From 264 recorded sites, it has dwindled to just three in recent decades, primarily due to intensive farming practices and herbicide use. Cornflowers can still be found in various habitats, including:
Waste areas: Often seen in neglected spaces and along roadsides.
Deliberately seeded areas: Increasingly popular in wildflower gardens and conservation projects.
While more frequent in England, cornflowers are rare in Scotland and Ireland.
Ecological Significance
The cornflower plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity:
Pollinator Attraction: The bright blue flowers are rich in nectar, attracting numerous insects, particularly bees from the orders Hymenoptera and Diptera. With a sugar content of up to 34%, the nectar is highly appealing to pollinators.
Food Source for Birds: The seeds of the cornflower are favored by species like the European goldfinch, making it an important food source for these birds.
Conservation Status
Due to its decline, the cornflower has been designated as a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Conservation organizations like Plantlife are actively working to restore its populations across the country.
Growing Cornflowers with Beebombs
For those interested in cultivating cornflowers and supporting local biodiversity, Beebombs offers an innovative solution. Beebombs are handmade seedballs containing hundreds of seeds from various native wildflower species, including cornflowers. Each pack is designed to create vibrant wildflower meadows easily—simply scatter them onto cleared ground and water well. Using Beebombs not only simplifies planting but also protects seeds from predators while providing a nurturing environment for germination. This sustainable approach helps restore lost habitats and supports pollinators crucial to our ecosystems. With over 2 million packs distributed throughout the UK, Beebombs have significantly contributed to restoring wildflower habitats and encouraging biodiversity.
Conclusion
By planting cornflowers through Beebombs or other means, gardeners can beautify their spaces while contributing to the conservation of this iconic British wildflower. As awareness grows about its ecological importance, there is hope for a resurgence of this charming bloom across the UK’s landscapes. Supporting initiatives like Beebombs is an excellent way to help bring back not only cornflowers but also the vital pollinators that depend on them.
1 pack of handmade, native wildflower Beebombs. 1000s of seeds from 18 native wildflower species, mixed with local protective clay and sifted, nurturing top soil. 1 pack provides coverage for roughly 21 sq ft / 2m² of wildflower meadow.
NOW WITH INCREASED ANNUALS - Beebombs are a mix of annuals and perennial species, providing natural and diverse habitat. As requested by many of you, we have increased the volume of annual seed - giving you more poppies, cornflower, marigolds etc - to ensure a beautiful patch that also supports our pollinators!
Using seedballs protects the seeds from predators and provides a nurturing environment for the seeds to germinate from, making it easier for you to create the wildflower habitat Britain needs.
We use no plastic in our packaging or process and make your Beebombs in a sustainable way on a farm in Parley, Dorset.
Free tracked postage and packing on all orders. Dispatched same or next day via Royal Mail Tracked 48 service, to anywhere in the UK.