Scabiosa columbaria

RHS Plant Profile
small scabious

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small scabious RHS
small scabious RHS
small scabious RHS
small scabious RHS 1983

Other common names

lilac-flowered scabious

Synonyms

Scabiosa banatica

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial
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A branched perennial to 75cm, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves, the upper ones more divided, and light bluish-purple flowerheads 4cm across in summer and early autumn. A good choice for cut flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
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
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, Asia, Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun and protect from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free