Scabiosa caucasica
garden scabious
A clump-forming perennial to 60cm in height, with entire grey-green basal leaves and incised stem leaves. Pale-centred lavender-blue flower heads 6-8cm in width are borne on erect stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | 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
- Matforming
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus, Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun; ideal for chalky soils. Protect from winter wet
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; best lifted and divided every three years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wall side borders
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut down stems in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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