About
This upright, branching perennial producing pincushion-shaped flowers during the summer in shades of salmon pink, red and black.
About the genus
Scabiosa can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flower-heads with enlarged outer florets
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDead-head to encourage more blooms, and cut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in gentle heat in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free