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Annual Biennial

Scabiosa atropurpurea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet scabious

An annual with grey-green divided leaves, reaching 75cm. It has dark red sweet-smelling flowers on long sturdy stems for up to four months through the summer

Other common names
grandmother's pincushion
mournful widow
see moremourning bride
pincushions
widow's flower
Egyptian rose

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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
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun, in any moist but free-draining soil, as long as it isn't too acidic

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required. Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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