Agrostemma githago 'Bianca' White Corncockle 'Bianca'
The pure white form of Britain's lost cornfield wildflower — large open silky trumpets glowing against slender silver-grey stems, swaying with grace and movement in the slightest breeze. 'Bianca' is the perfect choice for a moon garden, an all-white border, or any planting where luminous evening colour matters.
Once a rare survivor of the British cornfield meadow, Corncockle 'Bianca' is the selected pure white form — same elegant weaving habit, same silky-textured large trumpet flowers, same airy grace, but in glowing pure white rather than the species magenta-pink. The white petals have a luminous quality in low evening light, which makes 'Bianca' particularly outstanding in moon gardens or beside white-painted garden seats where dusk light catches the silvery stems. As a hardy annual, it grows to 75–90cm with the same characteristic weaving habit (slender wiry framework that interlaces with companion plants for support). RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised; particularly valued by long-tongued bumblebees. Self-seeds reliably; offspring largely retain the white colour if grown away from coloured Corncockle.
A note on growing
Like its magenta parent, 'Bianca' has a sensitive taproot and resents being moved — direct sowing into its final position is essential. Sow direct outdoors in September for early summer flowers the following year, or in March to May. Scatter onto finely raked soil, cover with 1cm of soil. Germination 7–14 days. Full sun, poor to average well-drained soil — 'Bianca' thrives in lean ground. The weaving growth habit means the plant grows naturally up through taller companions for support; plant in groups so the slender stems can support each other.
⚠️ Safety note: As with all forms of Corncockle, all parts of 'Bianca' (especially the seeds) are poisonous if ingested. Wear gloves when handling.
Where it shines
In moon gardens and white borders, where the luminous trumpet flowers genuinely glow against silver-grey stems in low evening light. In wildflower meadows for the historical resonance. In cottage borders for the airy weaving character — 'Bianca' interlaces beautifully with companion plants rather than competing. As a cut flower for romantic all-white arrangements; the silky petals catch indoor light beautifully. In wildlife gardens, the high pollinator value (long-tongued bumblebees particularly) is genuinely useful.
Plant alongside
For a recreated British wildflower meadow, combine 'Bianca' with the magenta species Corncockle and the electric blue of Cornflower 'Blue Ball' for an authentic cornfield meadow scheme. In a moon garden, pair with Ammi majus, the pure white Cosmos 'Purity' (if stocked) and silver-leaved Lychnis coronaria. The luminous white also works beautifully against the deep indigo of Clary Sage 'Oxford Blue'.
