Scabiosa columbaria 'Misty Butterflies'
small scabious 'Misty Butterflies'
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.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
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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