About
Jasione montana, the sheep's bit, is a clump-forming native wildflower to about 20 cm tall with lobed, hairy leaves and blue, pincushion flowerheads on upright stems from late spring into summer. A charming wildflower of dry, acid grasslands and cliff edges that attracts butterflies and bees, excellent for a sunny, well-drained wildflower garden.
About the genus
Jasione are annuals, biennials and perennials with pincushion-like, spherical heads of small, blue flowers on slender stems in summer. Native to open, sandy and rocky habitats.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows naturally in dry, sandy or rocky, acid soi, on banks, walls or cliffs. Needs well-drained soil in a sunny position
PruningCut back after flowering if seed is not required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free