BBC - Gardening: Plant Finder - Devil's bit scabious

Common Name: Devil's bit scabious
Genus: Succisa
Species: pratensis
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Chalky/alkaline, Boggy
Height: 30cm
Spread: 30cm

Succisa is an unusual perennial of boggy grasslands. Plants produce low-growing rosettes of leaves covered with minute hairs. Small pincushion-like, violet flowers are produced from midsummer onwards. The plant gets its common name because in ancient times its stunted appearance was believed to be caused by the devil eating its roots.

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Devil's bit scabious

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