Field Scabious (Scabiosa pratensis) is a robust, native UK perennial wildflower with distinctive large lilac-blue flower heads that resemble a pincushion. These showy blooms sit atop tall, branching stems, providing an eye-catching splash of colour in wildflower meadows, road verges, embankments, and grassland restoration schemes. Highly attractive to butterflies, especially the Marsh Fritillary and other long-tongued pollinators, it plays a vital role in biodiversity and conservation planting.
Well-suited to neutral to calcareous soils, Field Scabious thrives in sunny, open positions and establishes strongly where competition from grasses is low. It adds excellent height variation and aesthetic value to pollinator-friendly planting schemes and is ideal for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and agri-environment projects.
Features & Benefits
Striking lilac-blue flowers that attract pollinators
A valuable species for butterflies, bees, and hoverflies
Native UK perennial for long-term impact
Ideal for grassland restoration and species-rich meadows
Enhances biodiversity and supports wildlife habitats
Latin Name:
Scabiosa pratensis
Flowering Time:
July – September
Flowering Height:
60 – 100 cm
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
6.75kg per acre (16.7kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Select an open, sunny site with well-drained, neutral to calcareous soil.
Clear the area of weeds and grasses, cultivating a clean seedbed.
Broadcast the seed evenly across the surface using a seed spreader or by hand.
Firm the seed gently into the surface using a roller or by walking over it. Do not bury.
Water lightly during prolonged dry periods to aid germination.
Mow or manage annually to control grass competition and maintain floral diversity.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted name in wildflower supply for over 35 years. Offering UK native provenance and high-germination seed, John Chambers supports landscape architects, local councils, and contractors in delivering effective, sustainable planting schemes for ecology, public amenity, and green infrastructure.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Scabiosa pratensis
Flowering Time July – September
Flowering Height 60 – 100 cm
Life Cycle Perennial
Sowing Rate 6.75kg per acre (16.7kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Sunny, well-drained, neutral to calcareous soil
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Ideal For Meadows, BNG, conservation schemes, verges