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Scabiosa columbaria

small scabious

© RHS
Sold by 21 nurseries

  • Other common names small scabious
    lilac-flowered scabious

  • Synonyms Scabiosa banatica

  • Family Caprifoliaceae

  • 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

  • Details S. columbaria is a branched perennial to 75cm, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves, the upper ones more divided, and light bluish-purple flowerheads 4cm across in summer and early autumn

  • Plant range Temp S Africa

Characteristics

  • Foliage Deciduous

  • Habit Clump-forming

  • 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

Sunlight

  • Full Sun

  • Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing

  • Exposure Exposed or Sheltered

Soil

  • Chalk

    Chalk

  • Loam

    Loam

  • Sand

    Sand

  • MoistureWell-drained

  • SoilChalk, Loam, Sand

  • pHAlkaline, Neutral

Size

  • Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres

  • Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres

  • Time to ultimate height 2-5 years

How to grow

Cultivation Attractive to bees and butterflies. Good for cut flowers. Grow in full sun and protect from winter wet

Propagation Propagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Cottage & Informal Garden Wildflower meadow Wildlife Gardens

How to care

Pruning Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn

Pests Generally pest free

Diseases Generally disease free

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