About

A hardy annual with lance-shaped or lobed green leaves to around 70cm in height. Upright stems of pale blue flowers appear from June to October, turning into creamy-white, papery, globe-shaped seed-heads, perfect for dried flower-arranging.

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 hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free