Scabiosa japonica 'Blue Note'![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
![RHS Plants for pollinators](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS_Bee_YELLOW-REGISTERED.png)
A compact, clump-forming perennial with grey-green finely divided leaves. In summer and early autumn it produces a succession of pincushion-like, lilac-blue flowers with paler centres on thin stems held above the foliage.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
Autumn | Blue Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
Accepted
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 for home use by sowing 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 divide 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
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to keep bushy. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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