Devil's-bit scabious
Succisa pratensis · Caprifoliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant devil's-bit scabious: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Moist to fresh soil, tolerant
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure
Devil's-bit scabious prefers sunny to partially shaded locations. It thrives particularly in open situations where it receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight. It also tolerates partially shaded areas without losing vigor.
Watering
This plant loves fresh, moist soils, typical of natural meadows. Water regularly during the growing season, especially in summer. However, avoid excess standing water that could promote root rot.
Soil
Devil's-bit scabious appreciates moist, slightly acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. It adapts well to poor soils and tolerates natural meadow conditions. Well-drained soil that retains some moisture is ideal.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. You can cut back faded stems to 10-15 cm from the ground to encourage nice branching. This operation is not essential but improves the appearance of the clump.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of compost in early spring is generally sufficient. This meadow plant is not demanding in nutrients and prefers natural conditions. Avoid overly nitrogen-rich fertilizers that could promote excessive foliage development.
Diseases and pests
Devil's-bit scabious is a robust plant rarely prone to disease. Occasionally watch for powdery mildew during humid and warm periods. Natural and airy growing conditions are the best prevention.
Did you know?
Succisa pratensis has fascinating purple-violet flowers that form rounded flower heads. Its name 'succisa' comes from the Latin 'succidere' meaning 'cut' or 'severed', as its taproots appear to be cut at their tip. This plant was once used in European traditional medicine for its supposed detoxifying properties and still appears in wildflower meadows of great ecological value.
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.