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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa purpurea Ebony and Ivory (mixed)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A short-lived perennial usually grown as an annual from seed. A mixture of lightly-scented, pure white or very dark red verging on black pincushion-like flower heads are borne on upright stems to around 90cm tall in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Black Red White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering; if grown as a perennial, cut back to the ground after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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