Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades'
sweet scabious 'Ace of Spades'
An annual or short-lived perennial with erect, branching stems to 60cm in height and pincushion flowerheads to 5cm across, flowering from midsummer into the autumn. The very dark purple flowers appear almost black, have a delicate scent, and may be followed by bristly seedheads
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage more blooms, and cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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