Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) is a beautiful native UK perennial wildflower prized for its pale lilac-blue pincushion-like flowers and long flowering season. Its nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, making it a valuable component in wildflower meadows, pollinator planting schemes, and conservation areas. Thriving in calcareous and well-drained soils, it prefers open, sunny locations and is frequently found in chalk grasslands, embankments, and meadows.
This species adds ornamental value with its airy, elegant form and is often selected by landscape architects and conservation professionals for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and habitat restoration projects. Once established, Small Scabious will return year after year, delivering colour and ecological benefits with minimal maintenance.
Features & Benefits
Beautiful pincushion-style lilac blooms
Perennial wildflower offering lasting impact
Excellent for pollinators, especially butterflies
Ideal for chalky or limestone soils
Suitable for wildflower meadows, grassland restoration, and habitat creation
Latin Name:
Scabiosa columbaria
Flowering Time:
July – September
Flowering Height:
30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
3.75kg per acre (9.26kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Choose a sunny, open site with well-drained, preferably alkaline or calcareous soils.
Prepare a clean, fine tilth free from weeds and competitive grasses.
Broadcast the seed evenly by hand or seed spreader.
Lightly press the seed into the soil surface; do not bury deeply.
Water during dry spells and allow to establish naturally.
Leave cuttings in autumn to drop seed if self-seeding is desired.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
With more than 35 years of expertise, John Chambers Wildflower Seeds is a leading UK supplier of high-quality, native wildflower seeds. Trusted by landscape contractors, local authorities, and ecologists, John Chambers is known for supplying seed with strong provenance, traceability, and high germination rates, perfect for both large infrastructure projects and community green spaces.

Attribute Detail
Latin Name Scabiosa columbaria
Flowering Time July – September
Flowering Height 30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle Perennial
Sowing Rate 3.75kg per acre (9.26kg per hectare)
Sowing Period Spring or Autumn
Preferred Conditions Sunny, well-drained, calcareous or neutral soil
Pollinator Friendly Yes
Minimum Order Quantity 100g
Ideal For Meadows, grasslands, BNG schemes, chalk soils