Japanese name: スカビオサ ステラタ Scientific name:Scabiosa stellata
[Overview]
A biennial 60–90 cm tall.
The stem is somewhat hard, erect, and branches in the upper part.
The leaves include basal leaves and leaves opposite on the stem, which are pinnately divided or notched.
Capitula 3–4 cm across, white to very pale blue, 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 fruits are achenes gathered densely in a sphere, and the persistent calyces give it a shape like a kusudama (decorative ball).
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by cuttings of shoots.
It prefers a cool climate, and the plant weakens in heat and humidity.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, fertile soil.
It tolerates dryness well and dislikes excess moisture, so water thoroughly after the soil has dried.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed if base fertilizer is applied, but if given, apply only a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Gray mold can occur.
