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Herbaceous Perennial

Succisa pratensis 'Derby Purple'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

devil's bit scabious 'Derby Purple'

A clump-forming, spreading perennial to 60cm tall, with a basal rosette of slender, egg-shaped, green leaves, the branched stems bearing solitary bright purple-blue, pincushion-like flowerheads 2cm across, in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Blue Green
Autumn Purple Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, ideal for naturally peaty soil that is moist during spring and summer

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings (basal)

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, tidy after flowering is finished if seed is not required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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