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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Summer Berries'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet scabious 'Summer Berries'

An upright, branching perennial producing pincushion-shaped flowers during the summer in shades of salmon pink, red and black

Synonyms
Scabiosa 'Summer Berries'
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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
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Black Pink Red Green
Autumn Black Pink Red 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
Clump forming, Columnar upright
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 moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in gentle heat in early spring

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

Dead-head to encourage more blooms, and cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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