How big does Small scabious grow?

About 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–80 cm × 25–50 cm.

What soil does Small scabious grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Small scabious hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Small scabious flower?

Flowering: May–September, blue, purple, pink, white.

How much water does Small scabious need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Small scabious cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €9.20 in local shops, depending on size.

Small scabious

Scabiosa columbaria

Small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Small scabious — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Small scabious forms a low mound of grey-green, divided leaves and carries lilac-blue, pink or white pincushion flowers on long, thin stems from late spring to autumn. It is one of the longest flowering perennials, a favourite of butterflies and bees, good for cutting and happy in a pot. Give it a sunny spot and loose, well-drained soil, lime included, and deadhead it to keep the flowers coming.

Watch out for

It is a short-lived perennial: in heavy soil that stays wet in winter the roots and crown rot, and the combination of cold and wet easily kills it, so plant it only where drainage is good. It is worth renewing every few years by division or from seed. Aphids and mites can appear but rarely do serious harm.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–September, blue, purple, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–80 cm × 25–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–September, blue, purple, pink, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5 – €9.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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