Scabiosa stellata
starflower scabious
An erect, branching annual up to 45cm tall, with lance-shaped or pinnately lobed leaves. Solitary, pale blue, spherical flower heads to 3cm across, are followed by papery, silvery cream seed-heads
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | Cream | |
Autumn | Cream | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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