Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets'
sweet scabious 'Beaujolais Bonnets'
Add a splash of rich, romantic colour to your borders with airy stems topped by softly ruffled, pincushion flowers that keep coming through the warmer months. Rising above a neat clump of finely cut, mid-green foliage, the blooms of Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets' show off a mix of dusky wine-red tones, pale pink highlights and contrasting white stamens, giving each flower a light, textured look that moves gently in the breeze.
This is an easy, quick-growing annual plant that often flowers in its first year from an early sowing, though is technically a short-lived perennial, making it a great choice for filling gaps or building a long-lasting summer display. Perfect for sunny borders and cutting gardens, it produces a steady supply of lightly scented blooms that are loved by bees and butterflies.
This is an easy, quick-growing annual plant that often flowers in its first year from an early sowing, though is technically a short-lived perennial, making it a great choice for filling gaps or building a long-lasting summer display. Perfect for sunny borders and cutting gardens, it produces a steady supply of lightly scented blooms that are loved by bees and butterflies.
How to care for Scabiosa atropurpurea Beaujolais Bonnets:
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Protect young plants from slug damage by using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps. Regular deadheading is crucial to prolong flowering, while cutting back faded flower stems in autumn helps maintain plant health.
Additionally, provide a light mulch to protect the roots over winter and ensure the plant has enough space for good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Additionally, provide a light mulch to protect the roots over winter and ensure the plant has enough space for good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Sowing instructions:
Sow shallowly in trays filled with good, moist but freely draining compost. Keeping the tray well watered, place in a warm, semi-shaded spot and keep temperatures around 20°C (68°F) until they have germinated. When large enough to handle, pot on into small pots and grow on at cooler temperatures. Gradually harden off before planting outside at 30-45cm (12-18in) intervals.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
