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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Blue Cushion'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An annual or short-lived perennial to around 75cm tall producing fragrant, mid-blue, pincushion-like flower heads on wiry stems throughout the summer

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
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue 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

Unresolved

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
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • 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

Get involved

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