Overview
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and pollinator gardens.
About
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' (Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower) is a perennial cultivar in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It thrives in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils with moderate moisture and prefers a sheltered, south-facing aspect in full sun. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. Cultivation involves deadheading to prolong flowering and cutting back after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Propagation can be done by seed or division.
About the genus
Scabiosa is a genus in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) of flowering plants. Many of the species in this genus have common names that include the word scabious, but some plants commonly known as scabious are currently classified in related genera such as Knautia and Succisa; at least some of these were formerly placed in Scabiosa. Another common name for members of this genus is pincushion flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Scabiosa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scabiosa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, pollinator gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil with full sun; deadhead to prolong flowering.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
- Propagation
- seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'?
Grow in well-drained soil with full sun; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'?
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' need?
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
Is Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'?
Seed, division.
