Scabiosa columbaria 'Blue Note'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
small scabious 'Blue Note'

Synonyms

Scabiosa japonica 'Blue Note'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, clump-forming perennial with grey-green finely divided leaves. In summer and early autumn it produces a succession of pincushion-like, lilac-blue flowers with paler centres on thin stems held above the foliage.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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 moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun; ideal for chalky soils. Dislikes heavy wet soil.

Propagation

Propagate for home use by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in spring or take basal semi-ripe cuttings. Lift and divide every three years to maintain vigour.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to keep bushy. Deadhead to prolong flowering.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free