91µ¼º½

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.

These scabious do best in well-drained soil, preferably alkaline rather than acidic, in a sunny position.

Heavy, wet soils can cause the plants to rot off before they reach flowering size. They will not flower in a shaded position.

Scabiosa stellata produces attractive seed-heads, which can be allowed to develop on the plant then cut for use in dried flower arrangements.