Scabiosa lucida
Scabiosa lucida · Caprifoliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant scabiosa lucida: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 40–60 cm tall, 30–40 cm wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy to –15 °C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, preferably chalky
Care
Exposure
Plant your shiny scabious in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours per day. This plant thrives remarkably well in sunny locations, which enhances the brilliance of its mauve to violet flowers. Insufficient light compromises flowering.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish the root system well. Once established, the plant shows moderate drought tolerance; water mainly during prolonged periods without rain. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes root rot.
Soil and preparation
Choose well-drained soil, even gravelly or sandy, ideally chalky or neutral. If your soil is heavy, improve it with gravel or coarse compost. Scabious dislikes soils that are too compact and permanently wet.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage a new bloom. In late autumn or early winter, cut the dried stems just above ground level. This winter pruning facilitates the emergence of new shoots in spring.
Fertilizer
Shiny scabious doesn't require much fertilization on decent soil. An application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than enough. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and diseases
This plant is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in cases of excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Slugs and snails can damage young shoots. Ensure good drainage to prevent any root rot.
Did you know?
The name "scabious" comes from the Latin "scabies" (mange): in the Middle Ages, these flowers were attributed healing properties against skin conditions. The lucida variety, with its brilliantly violet flowers of striking luminosity, is particularly prized by modern gardeners for its both wild and elegant appearance, and it generously attracts butterflies and bees from early summer onwards.
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
- HoneysuckleLonicera periclymenum
- Small scabiousScabiosa columbaria
- Red valerianCentranthus ruber
- Japanese honeysuckleLonicera japonica
- Himalayan honeysuckleLeycesteria formosa
- Involucred honeysuckleLonicera involucrata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.