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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Pterocephalus perennis

Mount Parnassus scabious

An evergreen, mat-forming perennial with hairy, grey-green leaves with scalloped edges. In summer, produces pale pinky-purple, scabious-like flowers on upright stems, followed by papery seed heads

Synonyms
Scabiosa parnassi
Scabiosa pterocephala
see morePterocephalus parnassi
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Pterocephalus may be annuals, perennials or evergreen shrubs with simple or deeply-lobed leaves and scabious-like, pink or mauve flowers followed by attractive, papery seedheads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Greece

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by stem-tip cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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