91µ¼º½

Thin stems are topped by pincushion-like flowers with a central tuft of short, curved petals, surrounded by longer, sometimes ruffled petals. Although blue and lavender are the core colours, white, pink, lemon and wine reds can also be found.

Perennial scabious like a sunny position in a soil that is well draining, neutral to slightly alkaline (chalky). Many, like S. caucasica will carry on flowering into early autumn if you keep dead heading.

Most scabious dislike soggy soils and shade. Though they can grow in acidic conditions, plants are likely to be short lived.

Scabious is the common name for a range on pincushion-flowered plants apart from Scabiosa, like Knautia (Macedonian scabious), Cephalaria (giant scabious), Succisella and Succisa ( devil's bit scabious).