Scabious 'Butterfly Blue' is a charming and reliable hardy perennial, loved for its delicate lavender-blue pincushion flowers that appear in abundance from early summer right through to the first frosts of autumn. This exceptionally long flowering season makes it a standout choice for borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens and containers alike.

Each flower head is held on slender, wiry stems above a neat mound of finely divided, grey-green foliage, creating a soft, airy display that works beautifully alongside other sun-loving perennials and ornamental grasses. As a magnet for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, Scabious 'Butterfly Blue' is an excellent addition to any wildlife-friendly planting scheme.

This variety is a compact, clump-forming perennial that thrives in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional deadheading to encourage continuous blooms throughout the season.

Supplied as a 2L root ball, ready for planting.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'


• Common Names: Scabious, Pincushion Flower


• Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30–40 cm × 30–40 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Clump-Forming Perennial


• Perfect For: Borders, Cottage Gardens, Gravel Gardens, Containers, Wildlife Gardens


• Flowering Time: June to October


• Flower Colour: Lavender-Blue


• Planting Position: Full Sun


• Soil Type: Well-Drained, Moderately Fertile


• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators


• Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Foliage: Finely Divided, Grey-Green Leaves


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy


• RHS Award of Garden Merit: Yes

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sunny, open position with well-drained soil.


• Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly over winter.


• Deadhead regularly throughout the flowering season to encourage further blooms.


• Cut back old foliage in early spring to allow fresh new growth to emerge.


• Divide established clumps every few years to maintain vigour.

Notes: This plant is supplied in the Butterfly Blue variety, featuring soft lavender-blue pincushion flowers throughout the summer months.