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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa columbaria 'Big Blue'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
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

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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