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Herbaceous Perennial

Succisa pratensis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

devil's bit scabious

A clump-forming, spreading perennial to 60cm tall, with a basal rosette of slender, oval, green leaves, the branched stems bearing solitary light purple, pincushion-like flowerheads 2cm across, in summer and autumn

Other common names
blue ball
blue bonnets
see moreblue kiss
blue scabious
curl daddy
fore-bit
fore-bitten-more
ofbit
ofbitten
blue buttons
blue caps
Synonyms
Scabiosa succisa
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Blue Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Succisa are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with simple, obovate leaves and long-stalked, solitary pale violet, pincushion-like flowerheads in late summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe Africa Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, ideal for naturally peaty soil that is moist during spring and summer

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings (basal)

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to damage by slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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