Native to Europe, Africa, and western Asia, this evergreen short-lived perennial is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. It grows up to 3′ tall from a woody rootstock and forms a rosette of grey-green leaves with light hairs on the upper surface, and serrated or toothed margins. In summer branched stems carry solitary flowerheads of pink, blue, or white flowers that are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Wild scabiosa is a good choice for informal settings such as cottage, wildflower, and butterfly gardens. The flowers are excellent in fresh arrangements. The genus name, Scabiosa, comes from the Latin word scabies meaning itch and refers to the leaves that were thought to cure scurvy. The specific epithet, columbaria, comes from the Latin word columbia meaning dove, and may refer to the white flowers.
Type: Short-lived evergreen perennial
Bloom: White, pink, or blue pincushion-like flowerheads in summer
Size: 1-3′ H
Light: Full sun (partial shade in South)
Soil: Fertile, consistently moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division, basal cuttings
Companion Plants: Cranesbill, daylily, lady’s mantle
Outstanding Selections:
‘Butterfly Blue’
‘Pink Mist’
‘Balflutturite’ (white flowers, lacks fragrance)
Giga Blue (very large flowers)
Photo Credit: AnRoOOO2 Wikispecies