The pigeon scabiosa combines lightness with elegance.
Scabiosa represents a genus from the family of legumes, which includes up to 100 species. The pigeon scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' with the botanical name Scabiosa columbaria is distinguished within its family by its pretty flowers. Cup-shaped flower stalks sit on narrow stems up to 50 cm long and sway gracefully in the wind. With the scabiosa you are not only buying a feast for the eyes. Insects are also magically attracted to the scabiosa. It is mainly wild bees and butterflies that satisfy their hunger on the violet to dove-blue flowers.
Foliage and fruit
The part of the scabiosa that is close to the ground grows as a rosette with leaves. Higher up, the foliage takes on a filigree form. Bestowered flowers develop spherical fruiting stalks with a decorative effect, so that they make beautiful dry strands with their stems. Because Scabiosa is hardy, you can do without protection from the cold. In autumn, Scabiosa columbaria retracts and sprouts again in spring.
Scabiosa is a low maintenance perennial
Scabiosa is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Neither leaf lice nor slugs can get at the leaves and flowers. In the past, parts of the plant were used against skin diseases caused by parasites (e.g. scabies). In fact, pests give scabiosa a wide berth. Another advantage of this perennial is its long flowering period. As soon as the spring flowers have exhausted themselves, the splendid time of Scabiosa columbaria begins. The flowering period lasts until deep into October. The plant's water requirements are low to medium.
Ideal locations
The scabiosa, which is suitable as a cut flower, loves the sun. You should therefore give it a bright spot. In shady places its flowering pleasure suffers. Furthermore, a well-drained substrate is a prerequisite for good growth. Scabiosa will therefore make do with normal garden soil. A calcareous soil is gladly accepted. Scabiosa is perfect for rock gardens, but also makes a brilliant impression in borders and perennial beds. Alternatively, Scabiosa columbaria grows in pots, containers and containers. With this type of cultivation, you should also ensure good drainage.
Suitable garden ambience
The refreshing naturalness of the plant fits perfectly into a colourful garden. But not only that, because the delicate elegance also harmonises with modern garden design, either in solitary positions or in groups. Occasionally Scabiosa is used as a component of flower meadows. Or it fills gaps between other ornamental plants. If you prefer colourful potpourris, put Pigeon Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' together with yellow and red yarrows
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