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Perennials & Annuals - Australia

scabiosa

21 years ago

I planted some scabiosa this year which were labelled as perennials. They have flowered well though are very "leggy." Do I cut them back to ground level when flowering is finished? and what is the better way to propogate them...keep some seed or take cuttings?

TIA

Hilary

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Comments (6)

annabel__WA
21 years ago
I had some too, and they went really leggy. I think they are better treated as annuals in Oz. I'd keep seed, although I did take a few cuttings. That could be what has just died! prob from drying out.
Daz2
21 years ago
Divide the clumps in spring I'm told, Hilary,and does best in any well drained non acid soil.
Dead head faded blooms and cut down the stems once the display is over.
Cheers Daz.
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Snodge
21 years ago
I have succeeded easily with cuttings from scabiosa. Depends on the variety. If yours have material that looks suitable give it a try.
mexican_cottage
20 years ago
My scabious are annual where I don't water regularly but respond well to a hard pruning where watered and stay green and perrennial. I always let one go to seed and have plenty, usually where i don't want them.
Little_Digger
19 years ago
I've just divided mine and replanted here and there. I do it at any old time of year, whenever I get around to it. They are useful for filling in a bare patch. When you're dividing them, you'll probably find some roots have already formed, so they get started again pretty quickly. The only problem with this plant is the amount of deadheading required ~ sooo time-consuming.
robyn5760
19 years ago
Mine dropped seed, so I just dug up the seedlings and planted them wherever. I have also just broken bits off and stuck then in the soil (not pots). Mine don't get leggy at all, but I live in a cold, wind-swept spot, so plants tend hug the ground...

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