About
An evergreen herbaceous perennial up to 60cm high, woody at the base, with a rounded mound of scalloped, glossy dark green leaves, white beneath, and lavender-blue flowerheads, sometimes white or pink, in late spring and summer; the flowers are visited for nectar by bees and butterflies.
About the genus
Scabiosa can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flower-heads with enlarged outer florets
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toN. Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun, with protection from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading will prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown as soon as it is ripe or in spring in containers in a cold frame, or by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free