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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Middle

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

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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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyesyes
Cut backyesyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Scabiosa ‘columbaria’ and wildlife

Scabiosa ‘columbaria’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Scabiosa ‘columbaria’ poisonous?

Scabiosa ‘columbaria’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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