Scabiosa canescens

Scabiosa canescens (synonym S. suaveolens) is also known as pale scabious or fragrant scabious due to the sweet scent of its pretty blue flowers. This botanical species boasts a 3-month flowering period that feeds bees. Its countryside charm gives a natural look to the garden where it readily naturalises. Its scented flowers are beautiful in bouquets.

Scabiosa suaveolens belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. It is a species native to central Europe and Asia Minor. In nature, it is found in well-drained, slightly dry, calcareous soils, which are poor in organic matter. The herbaceous plant is perennial by its stump. Its basal foliage consists of long, entire leaves with a narrow transparent border. This scabious produces leafy stems with an average height of 30cm (12in). The leaves present on these stems are pinnately compound, meaning that their lamina is deeply divided into narrow segments. Flowering begins in July and usually ends in late September. The light blue-lavender flowers are assembled in loose bouquets or corymbs. Each flower is composed of a pompom-like centre surrounded by 5 petals. They sway in the wind at the end of slender stems. This airy appearance makes them perfect for delicate bouquets.

Planting scabious will attract bees, butterflies, and beautiful burnets. In flower beds, plant them alongside other wild perennials, biennials, or annuals: cornflowers, cosmos, crown vetch (Lychnis coronaria), wild chicory, and oregano. The combination of creeping baby's breath, sage, and pennisetum, for example, will be bucolic.