Description
Scabious ‘Butterfly Blue’ is a charming and reliable hardy perennial, loved for its delicate lavender-blue pincushion flowers that appear in abundance from early summer right through to the first frosts of autumn. This exceptionally long flowering season makes it a standout choice for borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens and containers alike.
Each flower head is held on slender, wiry stems above a neat mound of finely divided, grey-green foliage, creating a soft, airy display that works beautifully alongside other sun-loving perennials and ornamental grasses. As a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, Scabious ‘Butterfly Blue’ is an excellent addition to any wildlife-friendly planting scheme.
This variety is a compact, clump-forming perennial that thrives in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooms throughout the season.
Supplied as a 2L root ball, ready for planting.
Cultural Information:
- Botanical Name: Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’
- Common Names: Scabious, Pincushion Flower
- Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
- Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30–40 cm × 30–40 cm
- Growth Habit: Compact, Clump-Forming Perennial
- Perfect For: Borders, Cottage Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Containers, Wildlife Gardens
- Flowering Time: June to October
- Flower Colour: Lavender-Blue
- Planting Position: Full Sun
- Soil Type: Well-Drained, Moderately Fertile
- Attracts: Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators
- Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
- Foliage: Finely Divided, Grey-Green Leaves
- Hardiness: Fully Hardy
- RHS Award of Garden Merit: Yes
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in a sunny, open position with well-drained soil.
- Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly over winter.
- Deadhead regularly throughout the flowering season to encourage further blooms.
- Cut back old foliage in early spring to allow fresh new growth to emerge.
- Divide established clumps every few years to maintain vigour.
Notes: This plant is supplied in the Butterfly Blue variety, featuring soft lavender-blue pincushion flowers throughout the summer months.
