Scabiosa purpurea Ebony and Ivory (mixed)
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
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 | Black Red White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–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
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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