Overview
Scabiosa columbaria is a perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Scabiosa columbaria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildflower gardens. It is native to Europe, Asia and Africa.
About
Scabiosa columbaria is a perennial reaching about 0.8 m that flowers from June to September. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa, it favours full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they drain. It suits borders, rock gardens and wildflower gardens and typically occupies the middle to rear of a planting at around 0.8 m. It is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scabiosa columbaria
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 columbaria is a perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family, native across Europe, Asia and Africa. Plants normally reach roughly 0.8 m and carry their summer display between June and September. The species is valued where a steady run of summer flowering is wanted without excessive height. Plant in a sunny, open position; full sun is recommended. The species tolerates a wide range of soil textures—sandy, loamy or clay—but needs free drainage and will also grow where the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Hardiness H7 denotes that it is fully hardy in UK conditions, and the equivalent USDA range is zones 5–9. Give the crown room and avoid sites prone to winter standing water. Use Scabiosa columbaria in mixed borders, rock gardens or wildflower plantings where its height of around 0.8 m suits the middle or rear of the scheme. It combines well with other sun‑loving perennials that tolerate well‑drained conditions. Its June to September flowering provides a sustained run of summer interest in both designed and naturalistic plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Scabiosa columbaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, wildflower gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa columbaria
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa columbaria?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa columbaria?
Scabiosa columbaria prefers full sun.
What soil does Scabiosa columbaria need?
Scabiosa columbaria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Scabiosa columbaria?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
How big does Scabiosa columbaria grow?
Scabiosa columbaria reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Scabiosa columbaria hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa columbaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Scabiosa columbaria?
Seed, division.
