Scabiosa atropurpurea L.
Fully hardy, erect, wiry-stemmed biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual, somewhat variable with solitary, fragrant, dark purple to lilac flower heads in summer. To 90cm. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The Sweet Scabious has long and deservedly held a place as an ornamental plant in our gardens, the flowrs are well adapted for nosegays, have a sweet musky smell, and are produced in geat profusion from June to October.’ [BM t.247/1793]. According to Don introduced to Britain in 1629. He describes ‘a great variation in their colour, some being of a purple, approaching to black, others of a pale purple, some red, some white, others variegated. It varies also in the leaves, some being more finely cut than others.’
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [H.210/1843]. By 1846 Macarthur was growing improved varieties of Scabious. On 8th April 1846 he ordered ‘Splendid Scabious’ seed of German origin, 8 varieties, from James Carter, Seedsman and Florist, High Holborn. [MP A2933-1, p.128].
Notes
Published Feb 03, 2009 - 04:53 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 05:36 PM
Scabiosa atropurpurea L. | BM t.247/1793 | BHL
| Family | Dipsacaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Europe |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Pincushion flower, Sweet scabious, Mournful widow |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Scabiosa atropurpurea |
| Confidence level | high |