What is the best soil for Devil's-Bit Scabious?
Devil's-Bit Scabious prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Devil's-Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis)
Devil's-Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) is a perennial wildflower native to Europe and North Africa, known for its distinctive pincushion-like blue-purple flower heads.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Watering
Moderate
Soil
Tolerates a range of soil types, but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Temperature
Mild to Warm
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low Feed
Care Requirements
Light
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water
Moderate
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
Soil
Tolerates a range of soil types, but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Temperature
Mild to Warm
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low Feed
Light feeding in spring is sufficient.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Flowering, Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.3-0.7 m
Spread
0.2-0.4 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Basal rosette, simple, ovate to lanceolate
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Asterocephalus succisa (L.) Wallr.
Lepicephalus succisa (L.) Eichw.
Scabiosa borealis Salisb.
Scabiosa glabrata Schott
Scabiosa succisa L.
Succisa altissima Schur
Succisa angustula Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa aurigerana Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa beugesiaca Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa brevis Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa cagiriensis Jeanb. & Timb.-Lagr.
Succisa cuspidata Jord.
Succisa dentata Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa elliptica Jeanb. & Timb.-Lagr.
Succisa fuchsii Gray
Succisa fuscescens Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa gigantea Jeanb. & Timb.-Lagr.
Succisa glabrata (Schott) Sweet
Succisa gracilescens Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa incisa Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa laetevirens Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa palustris Sass
Succisa parvula Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa platyphylla Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa praemorsa Asch.
Succisa prativaga Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa procera Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa propera Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa pyrenaica Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa rhodanensis Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa sabauda Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa stricta Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa subacaulis Bernardin
Succisa sylvatica Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa tardans Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa viretorum Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa vogesiaca Jord. & Fourr.
Succisa vulgaris J.Presl & C.Presl
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderDipsacales
- familyCaprifoliaceae
- genusSuccisa
- speciesSuccisa pratensis
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Good drainage is crucial.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance.
Easily propagated from seed sown in autumn or spring. Division of established clumps in spring is also an effective method for increasing plant numbers.
Not typically a plant that requires frequent repotting, as it is often grown in the ground. If grown in a pot, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil.
FAQs
How often should I water Succisa pratensis?
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Can Devil's-Bit Scabious be grown in pots?
Yes, it can be grown in pots, provided the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining. It may require more frequent watering than when planted in the ground.
When is the best time to plant Devil's-Bit Scabious seeds?
Seeds can be sown in autumn or early spring. For autumn sowing, sow outdoors in a prepared seedbed or pot. For spring sowing, start indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
Why is it called Devil's-Bit Scabious?
The name 'Devil's-Bit' is derived from folklore, suggesting that the devil bit the plant's root, preventing it from growing larger or achieving its full potential.