Scabiosa columbaria 'Big Blue'
A biennial or short-lived clump-forming perennial to around 35cm in height, with semi-evergreen, lance-shaped grey-green divided leaves. Purple-blue flowers appear on stems above the foliage from mid-summer through to early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun, on free draining neutral to alkaline soil. Dislikes heavy wet soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings. Divide every few years to maintain vigour
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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