Small scabious, Scabiosa columbaria, is a pretty perennial native to the UK, bearing pale purple flowers on branched stems from early summer and well into autumn.
Scabiosa columbaria grows best in light, often nutrient-poor, calcareous soils, so makes a lovely addition to gravel gardens and sunny wildlife gardens – the flowers are especially popular with bees, butterflies and hoverflies. It also makes a great cut flower.
For best results, grow Scabiosa columbaria in full sun in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Dead-head the flowers regularly to ensure a constant supply of blooms.
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Scabiosa and wildlife
Scabiosa is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
