About
A short-lived perennial usually grown as an annual from seed. A mixture of lightly-scented, pure white or very dark red verging on black pincushion-like flower heads are borne on upright stems to around 90cm tall in summer.
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
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering; if grown as a perennial, cut back to the ground after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free