Introducing...
Annual and biennial scabious
Botanical name: Scabiosa
These scabious are ideal for plugging gaps in cottage garden style plantings. Sow seed in spring for summer flowers (annuals) or in autumn for flowers the following spring (biennials).
Looks
Branching, wiry stems carry a succession of flowers in white, pink, mauve and crimson. They comprise a mass of short petals packed into a central dome surrounded by longer petals.
Likes
These scabious do best in well-drained soil, preferably alkaline rather than acidic, in a sunny position.
Dislikes
Heavy, wet soils can cause the plants to rot off before they reach flowering size. They will not flower in a shaded position.
Did you know?
Scabiosa stellata produces attractive seed-heads, which can be allowed to develop on the plant then cut for use in dried flower arrangements.
Annual scabious we recommend
Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Chile Black'
sweet scabious 'Chile Black'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick'
scabious 'Drumstick'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades'
sweet scabious 'Ace of Spades'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Chile Black'
sweet scabious 'Chile Black'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick'
scabious 'Drumstick'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades'
sweet scabious 'Ace of Spades'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Deadheading plants
Native and non-native plants for pollinators
Get involved
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