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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

scabious 'Butterfly Blue'

a herbaceous perennial to 40cm, forming a mound of ferny foliage and producing pale blue, pincushion flowers over a long period from early summer into autumn

Synonyms
Scabiosa 'Irish Perpetual Flowering'
Scabiosa 'Perpetual Flowering'
see moreScabiosa 'Blue Butterflies'
Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue Beauty'
Scabiosa Butterfly Blue
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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
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to the UK
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun and protect from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division or take basal cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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