Succisa pratensis

DEVIL’S BIT SCABIOSA

No WA

Succisa pratensis
DEVIL’S BIT SCABIOSA

Masses of pincushion flowers of fuzzy violet-blue, dance atop long stems on dainty Succisa pratensis.
So making a cloud of colour through summer and autumn, hovering over a small, neat clump of bright green grassy leaves.
And all these pretty pincushions make good cut flowers for a vase too.

Cloud of fluffy violet-blue pincushions

Because Succisa pratensis is adept at popping up through other plants, and giving a great show of airy blooms, without taking up much room or needing much care.
So it is ideal for small gardens where some height and an airy effect is needed.
As well as being so very easy and hardy to grow.
Plus it will tolerate a wide range of soils, including clay based soils.

Unfussy & easy

So even though it is little known in Australia, Succisa pratensis is a hardy plant, well suited to temperate climate Australian gardens.
And it is certainly worthy of greater appreciation, as a very versatile plant.
Plus Succisa pratensis is quite unfussy about where it grows.
So quite happy in Sun or Part Shade, and will even try it’s best in more shade, as well as Full Sun.

90cm H flowers x 30cm W.

Devilish name for a beautiful plant

Devil’s-bit Scabiosa gains it’s part of it’s common name from the Latin word ‘Scabere’ – meaning to scratch – as traditionally the plant was used as a treatment for skin conditions, such as scabies and the sores of bubonic plague.
Now just to finish the common name – the roots look truncated, as if they have been bitten off.
And yes you guessed it, legend has it, bitten off by the Devil himself !

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Sow at any time of year in punnets indoors / or scatter in the garden in early spring.

INDOORS FOR EARLY PLANTS: Sow seed in punnets on the surface of good quality seed raising mix. And barely cover the seed with mix / vermiculite / fine sandy grit.

Now keep the punnet moist.

Temperatures of 18-21C approx. are best for rapid germination.

Then seedlings emerge in approx. 14-28 days.

SEED COUNT: 30 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve)

GROWING: Succisa pratensis

– Height with flowers: 90cm approx.
– Width: 30cm approx.
– Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade.
– Soil: Tolerates dry conditions and most soils including clay based soils.
– Water-wise: Succisa pratensis is not a particularly thirsty plant, and average normal garden watering is ample.

– Fragrance: None
– Frost: Hardy
– Growth: Perennial
– Attracts: Particularly known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds as well as butterflies​, with abundant supplies of sweet nectar and pollen.

– Care: Easy to grow and care for. Cut back spent flower stems to encourage even more repeating blooms.
– Deer & Rabbit resistant: Not first choice for these chewing pests.
– Origin: Native to Europe.

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