Cornflower Red Boy

A gorgeous departure from the classic blue. Despite its name, Red Boy is not a harsh fire-engine red but a rich, deep carmine-pink or ruby — the colour of crushed velvet, of ripe berries, of a warm summer evening. It brings a warmth and softness to the cottage garden that works beautifully in romantic planting schemes.

All the easy virtues of the cornflower family — ultra-hardy, cut-and-come-again, thriving in poor soil, beloved by bees — with a jewel-toned colour that is equally at home in a vase as in the border. The petals are edible and make a stunning garnish. Listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators.

• Centaurea cyanus 'Red Boy' — Hardy Annual (H7)
• Height: 75–90cm | Flowers: June–September
• Approximately 200 seeds per packet
• Direct sow September for early blooms, or March–May — do not transplant
• Full sun; thrives in poor, well-drained soil — do not over-feed
• RHS Plants for Pollinators listed — petals edible

Grow it alongside Cornflower Blue Ball for a jewel-box combination of ruby and sapphire that hums with bees all summer.