SCABIOSA CRETICA

Description

Large flat lavender coloured flowers, up to 3cm across, appear from May through to July above pretty silver foliage and display the characteristic pincushion mound at the centre. Perhaps the most attractive feature of this plant, however, are the perfectly spherical seed heads that form after the flowers have faded: you will become incredibly popular with local flower arrangers! Reflecting its Cretan heritage, this plant is drought tolerant and will thrive in hot, dry, poor, well-drained soil and is a reliable performer in coastal areas. As with other Scabious, the butterflies and bees will be regular visitors.

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.

Key Facts