Succisa pratensis
devil's bit scabious
S. pratensis is a perennial to 60cm, with a basal rosette of obovate leaves, with branched stems bearing solitary light purple, pincushion-like flowerheads 2cm across, in summer and autumn
Other common names
blue ballblue bonnets
see moreblue kiss
blue scabious
curl daddy
fore-bit
fore-bitten-more
ofbit
ofbitten
blue buttons [2]
blue caps [2]
Synonyms
Scabiosa succisaSize
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Succisa are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with simple, obovate leaves and long-stalked, solitary pale violet, pincushion-like flowerheads in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe Africa Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any moist soil in sun or partial shade. Excellent for peaty bog garden. Long flowering season
Propagation
Propagate by seed or basal cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Can be damaged by slugs
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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