Sheep's scabious
Jasione montana · Campanulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sheep's scabious: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature height
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of Europe
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure
Jasione montana prefers full sun or partial shade locations. In mountain regions, it thrives on south-facing slopes that encourage generous flowering. A minimum of 4 hours of sunlight per day guarantees good development.
Soil and drainage
This plant adapts well to poor, well-draining, slightly acidic soils. It tolerates gravels and rocky terrain. Avoid stagnant moisture in winter, which causes rot and rapid decline.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), letting the soil dry between waterings. In autumn and winter, reduce watering drastically. Established plants tolerate drought well.
Fertilising
Jasione montana requires no particular fertilisation. A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient. On very poor soil, a handful of well-decomposed compost improves flowering without excess.
Pruning and tidying
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In late autumn, cut back dead foliage. No drastic pruning is necessary; this plant naturally maintains a compact and elegant form.
Diseases and pests
Jasione montana is robust and rarely subject to disease. The main risk remains excessive moisture, which can cause rot. Ensure good drainage and space out waterings to prevent any fungal problems.
Did you know?
Jasione montana produces small powder-blue flowers in distinctive spherical pompoms, which earned it charm among 19th-century English gardeners. Its name 'Jasione' has disputed Greek origins; some botanists link it to a nymph from ancient mythology, while others see it simply as a Linnaean creation. This alpine plant naturally colonises scree and rocky areas, where it creates spectacular flowering carpets.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Carpathian bellflowerCampanula carpatica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.