An unpleasant sounding name, Scabiosa is derived from scabies, a Latin word for scurf or manage, the itchiness of which was said to be relieved by running the affected are with the leaves of these plants. The genus, a member of the teasel family (Dipsacaceae), is composed of around 80 species of annuals and perennials found from Europe and North Africa to Japan. Most species form a spreading basal clump of light green to gray-green, rounded to lance-shaped leaves, with deeply incised notches or lobes. A few species have an erect or branching habit. The flowers are individually tiny but occur in rounded to flattened composite heads on stems that hold them clear of the foliage. White, pale yellow, soft pink, blue, and mauve are the usual colors.
CULTIVATION
The plants are hardy and easily grown in any sunny position with moderately fertile, moist, free-daining, slightly alkaline soil. Deadhead to prolong flowering. The annuals are raised from seed, and the perennials can be propagated from seed, from basal cuttings, or by division.
Top Tip
To attract butterflies and bees to the garden, Scabiosa species can be planted in borders and rock garden. The long-flowering species make good container plants.
CULTIVATION
The plants are hardy and easily grown in any sunny position with moderately fertile, moist, free-daining, slightly alkaline soil. Deadhead to prolong flowering. The annuals are raised from seed, and the perennials can be propagated from seed, from basal cuttings, or by division.
Top Tip
To attract butterflies and bees to the garden, Scabiosa species can be planted in borders and rock garden. The long-flowering species make good container plants.
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