Drumstick Scabious Overview
Scabiosa stellata is an annual which produces solitary pale blue flowers that can get to 45cm tall, but it is mostly grown for it's stunning papery circular seed heads that are a popular choice for floral arrangements.
Drumstick Scabious
Scabiosa stellata
Also known as
Starflower Scabious, Sweet scabious, Pincushion flower, Scabious
Scabiosa stellata by Cillas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
6 months to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Drumstick Scabious
How to harvest Drumstick Scabious
When harvesting seed allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored. The flowers can last a long time after being picked and the plant has good cutflower potential.
How to propagate Drumstick Scabious
Seed
Sow seed in early spring and provide gentle heat.
Cuttings
Perennials from cuttings in the summer.
Special features of Drumstick Scabious
Attracts useful insects
Attracts insects such as bees and butterflies.
Pot plant
Suitable for planting in outdoor containers, given sufficient drainage holes.
Attractive flowers
Allowed to dry, the papery seed heads are striking.
Other uses of Drumstick Scabious
This plant suits being grown in mixed borders in informal cottage style gardens. They can also be grown for cut flowers in kitchen gardens and allotments.