Jasione, Genus, montana, Species,
- Genus & species
Sheep's bit scabious
Europe — heathlands, sandy grasslands, and rocky slopes from Britain to the Mediterranean
Overview
Jasione montana is sheep's bit scabious — a European wildflower in the Campanulaceae family with perfectly spherical soft blue flower heads, growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide. Despite the common name 'scabious', this is in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), not the scabious family. The perfectly spherical flower heads 1 inch (2.5 cm) across on wiry stems look like tiny blue golf balls or pom-poms. The species name 'montana' means 'of mountains', though it also grows on lowland heaths and sandy grasslands. Gray-green narrow slightly hairy basal rosettes. The species requires acidic, sandy, well-drained soil — it declines in alkaline, clay, or wet conditions. May be short-lived (biennial to short-lived perennial) — self-sowing supports persistence. The spherical blue heads draw heavy bee traffic. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
Jasione montana is native to Europe — heathlands, sandy grasslands, and rocky slopes from Britain south to the Mediterranean.Suggested Uses
Used in sandy/acidic soil gardens, heath gardens, rock gardens, and containers of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) or more. The perfectly spherical blue heads are a conversation piece. A wildflower for close-viewing positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering in June and July, approximately 4 weeks. Soft blue spherical heads.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft blue, in perfectly spherical pincushion-like headsFoliage Description
Gray-green, narrow, slightly hairy, forming a basal rosetteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun. Acidic, sandy, sharply drained soil. Heavy fertilising is avoided. Not suited to alkaline or clay soil. May be short-lived — self-sowing maintains the planting.Pruning
Spent flowers are deadheaded for continued bloom. Some seed heads stay in place for self-sowing persistence.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons