Overview
Succisa pratensis is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Succisa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Succisa pratensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildflower meadow. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark and East European Russia.
About
Succisa pratensis, known as devil's-bit scabious or simply devil's-bit, is a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae, formerly included in the teasel family Dipsacaceae. It is common throughout northern Europe and western Asia in heathland, unimproved damp grassland and chalk or limestone grassland, where it is restricted to nutrient-poor soils.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Succisa pratensis
About the genus
Succisa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Succisa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Succisa pratensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Succisa pratensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers nutrient-poor, well-drained soils; avoid over-fertilizing; tolerates damp conditions; benefits from cutting back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level after flowering to maintain plant vigor and prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings (basal)
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Succisa pratensis?
Prefers nutrient-poor, well-drained soils; avoid over-fertilizing; tolerates damp conditions; benefits from cutting back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Where is the best place to plant Succisa pratensis?
Succisa pratensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Succisa pratensis need?
Succisa pratensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Succisa pratensis?
Cut back to ground level after flowering to maintain plant vigor and prevent self-seeding.
How big does Succisa pratensis grow?
Succisa pratensis reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Succisa pratensis hardy in the UK?
Succisa pratensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Succisa pratensis?
Seed, Softwood cuttings (basal).