Scabiosa farinosa
powdery scabious
An evergreen herbaceous perennial up to 60cm high, woody at the base, with a rounded mound of scalloped, glossy dark green leaves, white beneath, and lavender-blue flowerheads, sometimes white or pink, in late spring and summer; the flowers are visited for nectar by bees and butterflies
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- N. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun, with protection from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as it is ripe or in spring in containers in a cold frame, or by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required, but deadheading will prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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