Corncockle ‘Queen’.

If ever there was a flower that knew how to look elegant without making a fuss, it’s Agrostemma. The Queen Formula Mix is a beautifully old-fashioned blend of soft rose, shell pink and clean white blooms, each with that distinctive dark eye that gives them such quiet authority in the border.

These are tall, airy plants — reaching around 90cm — that weave themselves through other flowers rather than barging to the front. They’re perfect for meadowy planting, cottage gardens, or anywhere you want height without heaviness. In a vase they’re a joy too: long stems, light structure, and a look that says effortlessly arranged even when you’ve just bunged them in a jug.

Agrostemma has that rare talent of looking refined while being completely unfussy. Scatter it among grasses, cornflowers, nigella or poppies and let it get on with it.

How to sow
Sow direct where it’s to flower from March to April, or again in September for earlier blooms the following year. It dislikes being moved, so direct sowing is best. Scatter thinly, rake in lightly, firm down and keep an eye out for slugs while seedlings are small. Once up, it more or less looks after itself.

A proper gardener’s flower — graceful, generous, and quietly brilliant.

Seeds in packet: 100 ish

Height: 90cm

Hardy annual