Centaurea (Bachelor Buttons) Florence Mix

Bachelor’s buttons are those small blue flowers with a round, thistle-like shape. Their botanical name is Centaurea cyanus, and they are also known by the common name of cornflower because of their prevalence in cornfields in their native Europe.

While they are famous for their distinctive bright blue flowers, these flowers are now available in pink, purple, burgundy, white and two-toned. Bachelor’s Buttons are a cutting garden and cottage garden favorite. They’ll last as long as two weeks in the vase when properly harvested.

Late spring to early summer bloomers, bachelor’s buttons not only provide color between the spring flowers and the summer show, but they also provide food for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and ladybugs love them. Providing habitat for and encouraging the presence of beneficial insects is one of the best reasons to add these charming old-school flowers to your garden.