SCABIOSA africana

Description

Scabiosa africana

Height x Spread: 45cm x 50cm

Large, slightly domed flowerheads with mauve flowers, tightly packed at the centre, more open and relaxed around the edge, bloom on the ends of narrow stems above mounds of finely divided green foliage. In its native South Africa, this vigorous scabious grows tall, but in the  U.K. it is shorter and better behaved.

Flowering slightly later than other scabious, it prefers a sheltered location without excessive winter wet and would be ideal for a mild, coastal garden. Otherwise grow it in a container with other plants to extend the flowering season and bring it inside when the autumn frosts start. A veritable butterfly magnet, it cuts well for natural looking flower arrangements too. Half-hardy, it needs a well drained soil that is fairly fertile in full sun.

Available for Mail Order from April - August