Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’ – A Classic Long-Flowering Perennial
Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’ is a compact, clump-forming perennial celebrated for its lavender-blue pincushion flowers that bloom continuously from late spring through to early autumn. Held on slender stems above soft green foliage, the airy blooms create a light, naturalistic display that brings movement, colour, and charm to borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial plantings. Highly attractive to pollinators, this classic variety offers long-lasting colour with minimal maintenance.
Why Grow Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’?
Lavender-Blue Flowers – Long-flowering from late spring to early autumn.
Light, Airy Habit – Adds softness and movement to planting schemes.
Pollinator Friendly – Attracts bees and butterflies.
Low Maintenance – Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow.
Versatile Planting – Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and containers.
Height and Spread
Typically grows to 25–35cm (10–14in) in height, with a spread of 30–40cm (12–16in).
Where to Site Your Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’
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Borders: Adds long-lasting colour and texture
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Cottage Gardens: Naturalistic, romantic planting
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Mixed Perennial Beds: Combines well with grasses and taller plants
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Pollinator Gardens: Excellent nectar source
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Containers: Ideal for patio planting
How to Grow and Care
Soil – Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates poorer soils.
Light – Full sun for best flowering.
Watering – Water regularly while establishing; drought-tolerant once mature.
Maintenance
Deadheading: Regular removal of spent flowers encourages continuous blooming.
Pruning: Light trim mid-season maintains compact shape.
Mulching: Improves soil condition and moisture retention.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Perennials: Salvia, Verbena, Echinacea
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Grasses: Stipa, Festuca
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Shrubs: Lavender, Perovskia
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Colour Schemes: Complements blues, whites, and soft purples
Conclusion
Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’ is a classic, long-flowering perennial with lavender-blue blooms and an airy habit. Perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly planting, it provides continuous colour, movement, and low-maintenance beauty.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.