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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa caucasica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Other common names
Caucasian scabious
white bonnets
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 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
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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