About

A herbaceous perennial, to 30cm tall, forming a mound of ferny foliage and producing bright pinky-purple, pincushion flowers over a long period from early summer into 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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in full sun and protect from winter wet
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering, cut stems down in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division or take basal cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free