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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa columbaria 'Misty Butterflies'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A compact, low-growing, clump-forming perennial with lobed and divided green leaves. In summer and early autumn it produces pincushion-shaped, lilac-pink flowers on upright stems held above the foliage.

Synonyms
Scabiosa columbaria nana 'Misty Butterflies'
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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
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Blue Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to the UK
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun, on free draining neutral to alkaline soil. Dislikes heavy wet soils.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering to maintain compact form.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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