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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa lucida
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

glossy scabious

A dwarf herbaceous perennial, up to 30cm high, with basal rosettes of glossy, silvery-green finely-divided leaves and bearing lilac-mauve flowerheads, 4cm wide, appearing from late spring and throughout summer until the first frosts

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Pink Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Correct

Plant range
C & S Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun and well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division, or by basal semi-ripe cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, but can cut stems to ground level in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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