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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Fire King'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An annual or short-lived perennial with strong, tall stems which produce deep burgundy-red pincushion flowerheads from midsummer until the autumn. Great plant for flower arranging

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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 Red Green
Autumn
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 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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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