Overview
Scabiosa drakenbergensis is a perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. Scabiosa drakenbergensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
About
Scabiosa drakenbergensis is a flowering species in the genus Scabiosa (family Caprifoliaceae) that bears pincushion-style flower heads. Blooms are produced from June to September. Each head is made up of many small florets, each cupped by a membranous, saucer-shaped bract, and the calyx has five awn-like sepals. The bracts and calyces remain evident after the petals fall.
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 drakenbergensis sits within the Scabiosa genus of the Caprifoliaceae and displays the characteristic pincushion-type inflorescences of that group. Individual flower heads are composed of numerous small florets, each set inside a saucer-shaped bract; the calyx shows five sepals that can approach the petals in length. Flowering runs from June to September, offering a sustained summer display. For garden use, allow room for the upright flowerheads to be visible at eye level and remove spent blooms to prolong flowering where required. The architectural bracts and relatively long sepals are a persistent feature and remain visible after petals drop, so consider positioning where that late-summer structure can be appreciated. As with other Scabiosa, give the flowerheads space so air can circulate around stems to reduce foliage shading and to present the heads cleanly. In the UK setting, place Scabiosa drakenbergensis where the detailed structure of the heads can be seen close-up, such as the front to middle of a mixed border or beside a path. The lingering bracts and calyces continue to contribute texture through late summer, making the species useful where seasonal continuity of form is desired.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, rocky
- Soil moisture
- dry to moderate
- Exposure
- exposed, open
Plant details
Scabiosa drakenbergensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa drakenbergensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa drakenbergensis?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa drakenbergensis?
Scabiosa drakenbergensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and open positions.
What soil does Scabiosa drakenbergensis need?
Scabiosa drakenbergensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. Aim for soil that stays dry to moderate.
How do I prune Scabiosa drakenbergensis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How do I propagate Scabiosa drakenbergensis?
Seed, division.
