Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Annual Biennial

Scabiosa stellata 'Sternkugel'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A hardy annual with lance-shaped or lobed green leaves to around 70cm in height. Upright stems of pale blue flowers appear from June to October, turning into creamy-white, papery, globe-shaped seed-heads, perfect for dried flower-arranging

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Cream White Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.