Native Bulbs

Vegetable Seeds

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Small Scabious
Scabiosa columbaria

Distribution:  A native British wild flower, which is fairly common throughout England,Wales and southern Scotland.   
Habitat:  It thrives on grassland and banks on dry, chalky (alkaline) soils.
Description:  Perennial.  Compact, leafy rosettes with flowers held on tall stems (up to 45cms).  The pretty lilac flowers come out from June to September.
Uses:  Small Scabious has been grown as a garden plant for many centuries, because of its' pretty lilac flowers.  It was once thought by herbalists to be a remedy for skin complaints ranging from wounds and sores to dandruff and unwanted freckles!
Wildlife:  Butterflies and bees are very attracted to the flowers in summer and birds take the seeds as they ripen.
Other Notes:   The name is derived from the Latin word meaning itch.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds: Sow in spring in a cold frame. The seedlings are prone to damping off, so water with care and make sure they are well ventilated. Once they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots.  Plant them out into their final position in the summer.

Our plants and seeds are of native British origin.