Natural England

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Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2010. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Sweet scabious - Scabiosa atropurpurea

Sweet scabious - Scabiosa atropurpureaSweet scabious - Scabiosa atropurpurea
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

There are around 100 species in the scabious family, sometimes known as 'pincushion flower'. The unusual flower colour of this species - 'sweet scabious' - attracts a wide range of insects including bees between July and September. As a southern European species, it is drought tolerant.

There are varieties available in a huge range of colours from blue, dark purple, cherry, salmon, pink, lavender and white.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Honey bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

FoliageGreen
FlowerRed, July to September
MoistureWet (Wet)
SunlightFull sun (Full sun)
OriginNon-native
1207