Scabiosa incisa Mill.
coast scabious · koringblommetjie (Afr.)
Fast, sprawling perennial with large mauve or white pincushion-like flower heads in spring and early summer.
What’s in the name: Scabiosa: from the Latin for itch (scabies), which these plants were once used to treat; incisa: "deeply cut".
“Gather ye rose-buds while ye may”
— Robert Herrick, To the Virgins, to make much of Time – Palgrave, The Golden Treasury (1861), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Dipsacaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Deep coastal sands from Piketberg to Grahamstown, among coastal scrub.
Size & form
Low, branching perennial with stems up to about 43 cm, slightly woody at the base, each topped by one flower head.
Flowering
September to December, on long bare stems.
Uses in landscaping
- Colour filler or fast groundcover in fynbos beds
- Mixes with annuals and summer perennials
Care notes
Full sun and well-drained soil. Survives dry summers but looks lusher with mulch and the odd deep watering. Cut back to keep vigorous. No serious pests. Seed or cuttings.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Scabiosa incisa'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Scabiosa incisa Mill. (assessment 2005/06/30).