Scabiosa columbaria 'Big Blue'

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

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
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