Scabiosa fischeri

Family: Dipsacaceae

What it is like

Scabiosa fischeri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Dry meadows, grass plots in light coniferous forests, steppes, rubbly mountain slopes and riparian sands.

E. Asia - E. Siberia to Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a neutral or alkaline soil and a sunny position. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. A very ornamental plant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seedlings are subject to damping off so water with care and make sure to give adequate ventilation. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. comosa. Fisch. ex Roem.&Schult.