Japanese name: マツムシソウ（松虫草） Scientific name:Scabiosa japonica var. japonica
[Overview]
A biennial 60–90 cm tall, found in sunny, dry grasslands in the mountains.
The root extends vertically.
The stem is rather firm, erect, and branches in the upper part.
There are basal leaves and leaves opposite on the stem, both pinnately divided.
Pale purple flower heads 4 cm across bloom facing upward at the branch tips.
The corolla is 5-lobed; the flowers in the center of the inflorescence are small and tubular, but those along the edge are greatly developed into two lips and spread outward.
The fruit is an achene, densely clustered into an elliptical fruiting head.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by stem cuttings.
It prefers a cool climate, and the plant weakens in heat and humidity.
It prefers fertile soil that is sunny and well drained.
It tolerates dryness well but dislikes excess moisture, so water thoroughly after the soil has dried.
If basal fertilizer is applied, no further fertilizer is particularly necessary, but if given, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn is enough.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
