Overview
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' is a perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and cottage gardens. It is native to Caucasus.
About
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' is a clump-forming perennial pincushion flower that bears pale blue to lavender heads from June to September. It grows to about 0.6 metres and makes a neat mound of divided leaves. Position it in full sun or light afternoon shade on well-drained loam with a neutral to alkaline pH. It favours sheltered, wind-protected sites, particularly on south or east aspects.
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 'Moerheim Blue' originates from the Caucasus and is cultivated for its long season of pincushion-like blooms. In the UK it flowers from June to September and reaches roughly 0.6 metres, providing a steady run of colour through summer into early autumn. The plant belongs to the Caprifoliaceae and forms tidy clumps of grey-green divided foliage beneath erect flowering stems. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction; soil should hold moderate moisture rather than waterlog. Give it a sheltered, wind-protected spot on a south or east aspect to minimise stem breakage and encourage consistent flowering through the season. It carries an H5 hardiness rating, which translates to fully hardy across much of the UK. Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' suits mixed borders, cottage gardens and as a cut flower; its height and bloom period make it useful as a mid-border filler and for summer vase work. Allow the clump room to develop so flowering stems can be cut without reducing the plant's spring leaf framework, and expect reliable June–September display once established.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Well-drained, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moderate
- Aspect
- South, East
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Wind protected
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers, Cottage gardens
- Native to
- Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly; cut back after flowering to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue'?
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue'?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and wind protected positions.
What soil does Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' need?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue'?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly; cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.
How big does Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' grow?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.
Is Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim Blue' hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa caucasica 'Moerheim 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 caucasica 'Moerheim Blue'?
Seed, Division.
