Scabiosa columbaria 'MARIPOSA BLUE' small scabious
size/type
low or groundcovering,low perennial
usual height
0,2-0,3m
usual width
0,3-0,4m
leaves
semi-deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-October
location
full sun
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
dry and sharply drained (xeriscape)
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Small scabious is a smaller version of this common perennial, naturally found in Central-European countryside. It makes small leaves of two types: the basal leaves are pinnatifid (they look like those on dandelions), and stem leaves, as if they did not belong there, are extremely narrow and deeply incised (like those on Japanese maples). Both the types are deciduous to semi-evergreen and mid green.
Description of the plant:
Mariposa Blue is a compact and free-flowering variety of scabious with large, pastel lavender violet flowerheads with domed, pincushion-like central florets and larger marginal florets. They appear in profusion atop about 20 cm tall stems and the plant is a true flower factory as it starts blooming from late spring and continues until early autumn. Deadheading is recommended for continuous flowering. Flowers are frequently visited by bees, bumble bees and butterflies which helped the breeder come up with a variety name because mariposa means butterfly in Spanish. Leaves form a dense mound which looks great in a rockery or among dwarf plants such as witches brooms.Scabious is a sun-loving perennial which will grow in free-draining, moderately fertile soil of neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It hates winter wet. Divide plants older 3-4 years. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 31-03-2024
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