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These airy, colorful flowers are mildly fragrant and a pleasant addition to the flower border.

Latin Name

Scabiosa atropurpurea


Family

Caprifoliaceae


Also Known As

Sweet Scabious


Type of Plant

Annuals Annuals

Bloom Season

May - September

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 2'
Max spread Max Spread: 1'

Uses

  • Annual
  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Tolerances

  • Deer
  • Drought

  • Attracted Wildlife

    Butterflies Butterflies
    Hummingbirds Hummingbirds

    Colors


    Native Range

    Mediterranean


    History

    In 1736, Scabiosa was noted in the Virginia garden of William Byrd II of Westover.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Sold at Mount Vernon Sold at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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