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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa columbaria 'Nana'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

small scabious 'Nana'

'Nana' is a compact herbaceous perennial, up to 45cm high, with grey-green leaves and pale blue-lilac flowerheads from summer to early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or 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 full sun and well-drained soil; attractive to bees and butterflies

Propagation

Propagate by division or basal semi-ripe cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, but can deadhead to prolong flowering, and cut stems to ground level in late winter; good for cut flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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