Mourningbride
Scabiosa atropurpurea
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Madeira, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Christian Ferrer
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Scabiosa
- Species:
- Scabiosa atropurpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- SCAT
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, maroon, pink, white, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers sunny locations with good air circulation
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Sow seeds on surface or lightly cover; germinates best at 70-75°F. Light aids germination.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.