Native to rocky slopes in southern Europe, this evergreen perennial is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, Centranthus, and valerian. Plants grow up to 18″ tall from a woody rootstock and forms loose mats of grass-like leaves. The leaves are about 6″ long, medium, green and covered by tufts of silvery-green hairs. In summer, stiff, slender stems carry solitary, flowerheads 1.5-2″ across of lilac, violet to pink flowers with large petal-like outer florets. Grassleaf scabiosa is especially attractive in rock gardens, cottage gardens and other informal settings. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and are lovely in dried or fresh arrangements. The plants do not tolerate high heat, humidity, or wet soil in winter. 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, graminifolia, comes from the Latin words gramen, meaning grass, and folia, meaning leaf.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: Pink to violet or purple flowerheads in summer
Size: 10-18″ H x 18″ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moderately moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; cut down in autumn
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division, basal cuttings
Companion Plants: Artemisia, lamb’s ear, daylily
Outstanding Selections: ‘Pinkcushion’ (pink flowers)
Photo Credit: Qwertzy2 Wikipedia
Karen Meyers