Overview
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers. It is native to Caucasus, north eastern Turkey and northern Iran.
About
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is a clump-forming perennial that reaches about 0.6 metres and carries pale blue to lavender flower heads. It comes from the Caucasus region and neighbouring parts of Turkey and Iran. Plants prefer a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade and flower from June to September. It is suited to well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils with moderate moisture.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lomelosia caucasica
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
In the garden
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is a perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family native to the Caucasus, north-eastern Turkey and northern Iran. It forms compact clumps to about 0.6 metres and produces pale blue to lavender flower heads through the summer months, with a flowering season from June to September. Plant where it receives full sun or some afternoon shelter in partial shade, and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; it prefers well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline reaction and a moderate level of moisture. Give it a sheltered aspect to reduce wind damage to the flower stems. It is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in typical UK gardens. Culturally it sits well in mixed borders at the front to mid-border height, where the cool-coloured flowers bridge spring bulbs and later herbaceous perennials. The stems make useful cut flowers and the season of bloom helps extend summer colour into early autumn. Allow air to circulate around the crown and place where the pale blue to lavender heads are visible from paths or seating areas so their colour reads in summer light.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Height
- 0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers
- Native to
- Caucasus, north eastern Turkey, northern Iran
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
- Propagation
- seed,division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' need?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
How big does Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' grow?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.
Is Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' 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 caucasica 'Miss Willmott'?
Seed,division.
