Corncockle Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl'
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ABOUT
Ocean Pearl, commonly known as Corn Cockle, presents a distinctive appearance, characterized by its beautiful silvery-gray foliage and enchanting flowers. The blooms of Ocean Pearl are particularly striking, with their unique shimmering white petals, which have a texture that can be described as a blend of satin and silk, gently cupping the flower's center. Each flower radiates with a subtle luster that appears to have been kissed by the freshness of the sea, hence the name 'Ocean Pearl.' The flowers consist of five petals that are broad and elegantly formed, creating a star-like pattern. At the heart of the bloom, you'll find a contrasting touch of delicate, fine dark purple or black lines that converge toward the center, adding depth and further visual intrigue. The stamens are a soft, pale green that supports anthers topped with dark pollen, standing out against the lighter background of the petals. This color play between the petals and the flower's core makes the Ocean Pearl's blossoms quite enticing to the beholder. Beneath the flowers, the slender stems are an unassuming green, with the leaves being narrow and slightly fuzzy to the touch. Overall, the Ocean Pearl carries an air of wildflower charm, combined with an elegance suitable for sophisticated garden designs. This plant emits simplicity and purity, making it a beloved addition among gardeners seeking a touch of wild elegance within their floral havens.
About this plant
Names
Synonyms
Corncockle, Common Corncockle, Crown-of-the-field, Corn Rose, Corn Campion, Purple Cockle.
Common names
Agrostemma githago var. phoenicea, Agrostemma phoenicea, Githago segetum, Lychnis githago, Melandrium githago, Silene githago.
Toxicity
To humans
Corncockle contains toxic saponins and githagin which can be harmful if ingested. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, as well as dizziness and weakness. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory distress and convulsions. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent potential poisoning.
To pets
Corncockle is also toxic to pets due to the presence of saponins and githagin. Ingestion by animals can result in similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. There can also be signs of general weakness, and in severe cases, it might lead to convulsions or respiratory failure. Keeping pets away from this plant and seeking veterinary care if ingestion occurs is advisable.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits
- Attracts Bees: Agrostemma githago, commonly known as Corn Cockle, is an excellent pollen source, inviting bees and promoting pollinator biodiversity in the garden.
- Attracts Butterflies: The flowers of Corn Cockle are known to attract butterflies, adding to the aesthetics and contributing to pollination.
- Ornamental Value: Corn Cockle 'Ocean Pearl' has appealing purple flowers which add color and visual interest to garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Corn Cockle has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care, which is perfect for novice gardeners.
- Self-Seeding: Corn Cockle can self-seed under suitable conditions, providing an ease of propagation and naturalized planting.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides habitat and food for wildlife, supporting local ecosystems.
- Historical Significance: It has a rich history of association with agriculture, particularly in old-world grain fields, offering educational and heritage value.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Corncockle, when dried and crushed, can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning and scouring metal objects.
- The seeds of the Corncockle, due to their hard coating, can be used in handmade jewelry or decorative crafts.
- The tall and sturdy stems of Corncockle can be utilized as natural supports for other plants in a mixed garden bed.
- Dried Corncockle flowers can provide a pop of color when used in potpourri mixes or decorative dried flower arrangements.
- The striking appearance of the Corncockle makes it a popular subject for botanical illustration and photography projects.
- Corncockle's dense growth can be used as a cover crop in fallow fields to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.
- The pigment from Corncockle petals can be extracted to create a natural dye for textiles or artistic purposes.
- Due to its historical presence in grain fields, Corncockle can be used as an educational tool to demonstrate agricultural weed issues to students.
- Used as a fill-in plant in theatre and movie productions to simulate authentic-looking wildflower meadows.
- Corncockle flowers can be pressed and incorporated into handmade paper to give it a unique, textured aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Corn Cockle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Beauty in Unlikely Places: Agrostemma githago, commonly known as Corn Cockle, often thrives in disturbed soils such as agricultural fields, symbolizing the ability to find or create beauty in challenging conditions.
- Remembrance: With its origin in old fields and country meadows, the Corn Cockle evokes nostalgia and is a symbol of remembrance or memory of rural life and traditions.
- Simplicity: The unassuming appearance and delicate flowers of the Corn Cockle symbolize simplicity and the importance of appreciating simple pleasures.
- Survival: As a plant that can survive in harsh environments and reseed itself, the Corn Cockle is often seen as a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
- Caution: Historically, Corn Cockle seeds were considered a poisonous weed in grain crops, which makes it a symbol of caution, as its beauty is accompanied by potential danger.
Water
Corncockle prefers consistent moisture, but it's important to avoid overwatering. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which is roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. In hotter, drier periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Light
Corncockle thrives in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best situated in a spot that receives unfiltered daylight for most of the day. Beware of too much shade, as this can stunt growth and reduce flowering. If you are planting indoors, place Corncockle near a south-facing window where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for Corncockle ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand a maximum of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit without experiencing stress. Exposure to extreme temperatures outside of this range can harm the plant, so it's best to provide a location that maintains these moderate temperatures.
Pruning
Corncockle benefits from occasional deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers, to encourage further blooming. Prune any dead or weak stems in early spring to promote healthy growth. After flowering, you can cut back the plant by one-third to maintain a neat appearance and prevent self-seeding if desired. Pruning is not rigorous and is mainly focused on aesthetic and managing reseeding.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable soil mix for this plant would be a blend of loam, peat, and sand which ensures proper drainage and aeration. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to enrich the soil and promote healthy growth.
Repotting
Corn Cockle plants, being annuals, generally do not require repotting as they will complete their lifecycle within one growing season. Instead, sow seeds annually in a suitable location or container where they can grow undisturbed.
Humidity & Misting
Corn Cockle prefers moderate ambient humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate some variation. It does not have specific humidity requirements, making it ideal for natural garden settings.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Corn Cockle in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space 15cm apart.
Hardiness zone
2-10 USDA
Life cycle
Commonly known as Corncockle 'Ocean Pearl', Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl' begins its life as a seed, usually sown in early spring where it germinates in cool soil. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop into a rosette of slender, lance-shaped leaves, with the plant eventually sending up tall, erect stems. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, when it produces attractive, large, pale purple to white blooms with finely textured petals and a delicate, airy appearance. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant sets seed contained within a capsule, which when mature, opens to release seeds for dispersal by wind or gravity. This annual plant completes its life cycle within a single growing season, dying after seed dispersal; however, the seeds can remain in the soil and germinate the following year, beginning the cycle anew. The Corncockle 'Ocean Pearl' can also self-seed under favourable conditions, establishing an ongoing presence in the garden where allowed.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl', commonly known as Corn Cockle, is typically propagated through seeds. The ideal time for sowing Corn Cockle seeds is in spring or early fall. For the most popular method of propagation, seeds are directly sown into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. To ensure good seed-to-soil contact, seeds should be lightly covered with soil to a depth of approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) and watered gently. The site should be chosen such that it receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks, and plants will bloom the following summer. Thin young seedlings to about 8 inches (20 cm) apart to allow sufficient space for growth and air circulation.