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Succisa spp.
devils-bit scabious
Overview
Succisa spp. is a small genus of about three species of perennials in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to Europe, western Asia, and northern and eastern Africa. The most familiar species, S. pratensis, devils-bit scabious, grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall from a basal rosette of simple, lance-shaped leaves, with slender, branching flower stems rising above. From late summer into autumn it bears rounded, pincushion-like heads 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) across of small blue to violet (occasionally pink or white) flowers, each head fringed with projecting stamens. The plant takes its name from the short, abruptly cut-off rootstock, said to look bitten. Succisa spp. grows in damp meadows, marsh edges, fens, and moist grassland on neutral to acidic soils, in full sun to part shade. It tolerates seasonal wetness better than most border perennials and is a valued late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies; the leaves are a food plant of the marsh fritillary butterfly. Plants are slow to bulk up and can be short-lived on dry soils.
Native Range
Succisa spp. is native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of northern and eastern Africa. S. pratensis grows across Europe in damp meadows, marshes, fens, heaths, and moist grassland on neutral to acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Succisa spp. is used in wildflower meadows, damp borders, rain gardens, and pond and stream margins on moist soil. Its late flowers make it a nectar source for bees and butterflies in pollinator and naturalistic plantings. It suits informal and conservation plantings rather than dry, formal beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violetFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
Succisa spp. grows in full sun to part shade on moist to seasonally wet, neutral to acidic soils, and tolerates clay and heavy ground that stays damp. Water needs are medium to high, and plants decline on dry, free-draining soils in summer. Soil pH from about 5.0 to 7.0 suits the genus. It is hardy in roughly USDA zones 4-8 and dies back to the rosette over winter. Plants are slow to establish and are raised from seed or careful division. A moisture-retentive site gives the strongest growth and longest life.Pruning
Pruning is light. Spent flower stems can be cut back after seeding, or left standing to feed birds and hold winter structure. Tatty foliage is cleared in late winter before new rosettes expand.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons