Cornflower Mauve Boy
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Centaurea cyanus 'Mauve Boy' Cornflower 'Mauve Boy'
Soft, dusty lavender-mauve flowers with the same fully double, ruffled "Ball"-type form as the more famous blue cornflowers — but in a quietly beautiful pastel shade that brings antique romance to the cottage garden and a sophisticated softness to any cutting patch.
If 'Blue Ball' is the bright, definitive cornflower and 'Black Ball' is the moody dramatist, 'Mauve Boy' is the soft-spoken sophisticate — the cornflower for romantic, pastel-toned schemes where the saturated electric blue would be too bold. The colour is a genuine dusty lavender-lilac, never harsh, with the same fully double ruffled form and substantial flower head as its siblings. Tall on silvery-green stems (75–90cm), with characteristic feathery foliage, and the same cut-and-come-again habit that makes cornflowers such generous cutting-garden plants. Hardy annual (H7), RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised, edible petals, drought-tolerant once established. A reliable self-seeder that produces volunteer plants in following years.
A note on growing
Sow direct outdoors in September for the autumn-sown advantage — bigger, earlier, more floriferous plants the following year. Or March to May for a summer display. Cornflowers have deep taproots and resent being moved; direct sowing is essential. Sow at 3mm depth in well-drained soil. Full sun. Lean, poor soil produces the strongest plants. At 75–90cm, plants benefit from light twiggy support inserted early to prevent flopping. Deadhead weekly or cut for the vase to maintain continuous flowering.
Where it shines
In romantic pastel cottage borders, where the soft lavender brings antique colour without the saturation of brighter cornflowers. As a cutting flower for soft, vintage-style bouquets — particularly outstanding alongside whites and creams. In wildflower-style plantings where the gentler tone reads more naturalistic than electric blue. As a self-seeder for permanent informal colonies in the cottage garden. The edible petals are particularly beautiful on pastel-themed celebration cakes and in soft summer salads.
Plant alongside
For a vintage cottage palette, combine 'Mauve Boy' with the deep maroon of 'Black Ball' and the pure white of 'Snowman' for a sophisticated three-tone scheme. For soft romantic cutting bouquets, pair with Ammi majus and Achillea 'Pastel Mixed'. The mauve also looks beautiful with the soft pinks of Cosmos 'Apricotta' for warm-tone romance.
Delivery
The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
