Cape Scabious (Scabiosa africana) is a charming South African native shrub with delicate blue-purple flower heads, attracting pollinators and providing a lovely display.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures; protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture promotes better flowering.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Lightly prune in late spring or early summer after the main flowering flush to shape the plant and prevent legginess.
Remove any dead or damaged stems at any time.
Easily propagated from seed sown in spring, either directly outdoors or started indoors a few weeks prior. Cuttings can also be taken in late spring or early summer.
Ensure good drainage and moderate moisture for successful germination and rooting.
Young plants may benefit from repotting annually or biennially into slightly larger containers. Established plants are often best left undisturbed.
Repot in spring before new growth begins, using a well-draining potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape Scabious (Scabiosa africana)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Scabiosa |
| Species | Scabiosa africana |
Similar in genus Scabiosa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
