About
A quick-growing, clump-forming perennial, a little woodier at the base, to around 50cm in height, with intricately divided green foliage. Once flowered, bristly, rounded seedheads provide an attractive feature. Large, pale purple-pink or white pincushion flowers with frilly edges appear on thin stems above the foliage from summer to autumn.
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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or by cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free