Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Deluxe
With its enchanting violet-blue flowers and a history steeped in folklore, Succisa pratensis, or devil's-bit scabious, is a wildflower that adds a touch of magic to any meadow or garden. This herbaceous perennial blooms from June to October, producing tight clusters of delicate, four-lobed flowers atop slender stems up to a metre tall. Its lance-shaped leaves form a rosette at the base, giving the plant a subtle yet striking elegance. Unlike its scabious relatives, Succisa pratensis favours damper ground, making it perfect for softening the edges of ponds, streams, or wilder corners of your landscape.
Legend has it, the devil bit off Succisa's root in a fit of rage—either out of envy for its healing powers or as part of a devilishly petty tantrum! Whether you're drawn to its historical mystique or its ecological value (pollinators love it!), Succisa pratensis is a wonderful choice for creating a haven for wildlife. Its rich hues blend beautifully with other meadow flowers, while its upright habit provides texture and movement. Als known as Scabiosa succisa, this plant is as much a conversation starter as it is a garden gem. Plant it, and let a little folklore bloom in your outdoor space.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
-
Succisa pratensis
syn. Scabiosa succisa - Flower colour
- Blue, violet
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 9 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- Skin/eyes irritant
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Succisa pratensis reviews
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