Field Scabious (Scabiosa pratensis) is a robust, native UK perennial wildflower with distinctive large lilac-blue flower heads that resemble a pincushion. These showy blooms sit atop tall, branching stems, providing an eye-catching splash of colour in wildflower meadows, road verges, embankments, and grassland restoration schemes. Highly attractive to butterflies, especially the Marsh Fritillary and other long-tongued pollinators, it plays a vital role in biodiversity and conservation planting.

Well-suited to neutral to calcareous soils, Field Scabious thrives in sunny, open positions and establishes strongly where competition from grasses is low. It adds excellent height variation and aesthetic value to pollinator-friendly planting schemes and is ideal for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and agri-environment projects.

Features & Benefits
Striking lilac-blue flowers that attract pollinators
A valuable species for butterflies, bees, and hoverflies
Native UK perennial for long-term impact
Ideal for grassland restoration and species-rich meadows
Enhances biodiversity and supports wildlife habitats

Latin Name:
Scabiosa pratensis

Flowering Time:
July – September

Flowering Height:
60 – 100 cm

Life Cycle:
Perennial

Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
6.75kg per acre (16.7kg per hectare)

Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)

How to Sow & Preparation
Select an open, sunny site with well-drained, neutral to calcareous soil.
Clear the area of weeds and grasses, cultivating a clean seedbed.
Broadcast the seed evenly across the surface using a seed spreader or by hand.
Firm the seed gently into the surface using a roller or by walking over it. Do not bury.
Water lightly during prolonged dry periods to aid germination.
Mow or manage annually to control grass competition and maintain floral diversity.

About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted name in wildflower supply for over 35 years. Offering UK native provenance and high-germination seed, John Chambers supports landscape architects, local councils, and contractors in delivering effective, sustainable planting schemes for ecology, public amenity, and green infrastructure.

Latin Name | Scabiosa pratensis

Common Name | Field Scabious

Life Cycle | Perennial

Flowering Time | July – September

Flowering Height | 60 – 100 cm

Sowing Rate | 6.75kg per acre (16.7kg per hectare)

Sowing Period | Spring (March–May) or Autumn (August–October)

Preferred Conditions | Sunny, open sites with well-drained, neutral to calcareous soils

Pollinator Friendly | Yes – supports bees, butterflies (including Marsh Fritillary), and hoverflies

Ideal For | Wildflower meadows, grassland restoration, verges, BNG and conservation schemes

Minimum Order Quantity | 10g