or Corn cockle ‘Ocean Pearl’
Corn cockle, as its name suggests, was once commonly found in cereal fields; now it is rarely seen in the wild because it’s poisonous and therefore an unsuitable plant to be found growing where it may contaminate crops.
However, the purple form of corn cockle has been gaining in popularity in our gardens for quite a few years now because it fulfils many of the pollinator friendly, naturalistic credentials that everyone is after. The more delicate white form, ‘Ocean Pearl’ is less well known, but I can see it catching on big time. I first saw it growing it the magical Manor
This little gem of a hardy annual would fit seamlessly into an annual meadow mix, it is easy to grow and needs no pampering. A free draining soil in full sun is all it needs. If you buy the seed and sow it in situ in the autumn, you’ll get strong little plants ahead of the game and all ready for the next year’s season. Alternatively they can be sown in spring: either way ‘Ocean Pearl’ will not disappoint!
NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.
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2 replies on “Agrostemma githago ‘Ocean Pearl’”
One of our favourite local gardens to visit! We had seen these and had always wondered what these were – thank you for sharing. Now to get some seeds to sow…
Lisa, how very lucky you are to have ‘The Manor’ as one of your local gardens! Good luck with the seed sowing, but there shouldn’t be a problem. Louise