Scabiosa caucasica 'Clive Greaves'

RHS Plant Profile
Caucasian scabious 'Clive Greaves'

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Caucasian scabious 'Clive Greaves' RHS 2002
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Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming perennial to 60cm in height, with entire basal leaves and incised stem leaves. Pale-centred lavender-blue flower heads 6-8cm in width are borne on erect stems

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed
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)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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. Protect from winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring; best lifted and divided every three years

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free