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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa caucasica 'Perfecta Blue' (Perfecta Series)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming compact perennial, with mid-green leaves. In summer and early autumn it produces large lavender-blue flowers on thin stems above the foliage. Blooms are frilly at the edges, fading to pale lavender-white at the centre.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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; ideal for chalky soils. Dislikes heavy wet soil.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in spring or take basal semi-ripe cuttings. Lift and divided every three years to maintain vigour.

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

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back after flowering in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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