About
Scabiosa columbaria, the small scabious, is a branched perennial to 75 cm with simple or pinnately lobed leaves, the upper ones more divided, and light bluish-purple flowerheads 4 cm across produced in summer and early autumn. Excellent for cutting and a valuable wildflower for pollinators in a sunny, well-drained border or meadow.
About the genus
Scabiosa, the pincushion flowers, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flowerheads with enlarged outer florets in blue, white, pink, yellow or purple. Popular plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Native toEurope, Asia, Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun and protect from winter wet
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free