Introducing...
Annual and biennial scabious
Botanical name: Scabiosa
These scabious are ideal for plugging gaps in cottage garden style plantings. Sow seed in spring for summer flowers (annuals) or in autumn for flowers the following spring (biennials).
Looks
Branching, wiry stems carry a succession of flowers in white, pink, mauve and crimson. They comprise a mass of short petals packed into a central dome surrounded by longer petals.
Likes
These scabious do best in well-drained soil, preferably alkaline rather than acidic, in a sunny position.
Dislikes
Heavy, wet soils can cause the plants to rot off before they reach flowering size. They will not flower in a shaded position.
Did you know?
Scabiosa stellata produces attractive seed-heads, which can be allowed to develop on the plant then cut for use in dried flower arrangements.
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.