{"product_id":"scabious-imperial-mix","title":"Scabious Imperial Mix","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea 'Imperial Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePincushion Flower 'Imperial Mix' \/ Cottage Scabious Mixed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA high-performing cottage staple — tall wiry 90cm stems topped with dome-shaped honey-scented pincushion flowers in a stunning array of jewel tones including deep blackcurrant, rich crimson, soft lavender, salmon pink and pure white. Scabious 'Imperial Mix' delivers cut-and-come-again abundance from mid-summer until the first frosts, butterfly-magnet ecological value, and architectural seed heads for autumn and winter dried arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is the colourful cottage cousin to the moody 'Black Knight'. 'Imperial Mix' delivers the full jewel-tone Scabious palette in a single packet: deep blackcurrant, rich crimson, soft lavender, salmon pink and pure white, all on uniform tall (90cm) wiry-stemmed plants that flower simultaneously from mid-summer through to the first November frosts. The flowers carry the same characteristic dome shape, the same honey-like sweet fragrance that draws butterflies in droves, and the same cut-and-come-again productivity that makes Scabious so valuable in any cutting garden. In late summer, the central \"cushion\" elongates into architectural globe-like seed heads that look spectacular in the winter garden or harvested for dried arrangements. Hardy annual (H4). \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Plants for Pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eRobust and easy given good drainage and plenty of sunlight. \u003cstrong\u003eSow indoors March or April\u003c\/strong\u003e for the earliest blooms, or \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e to overwinter for stronger plants the following year. Surface-sow onto moist compost, cover with a light dusting of vermiculite (light needed for germination). Germination 10–14 days at 18–20°C. Alternatively direct sow outdoors in May once soil has warmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlant out late May in full sun. Scabious thrive in \u003cstrong\u003eneutral to alkaline (chalky) soil\u003c\/strong\u003e and require excellent drainage — they sulk in heavy waterlogged clay. Add grit to the planting hole in clay gardens. \u003cstrong\u003eSupport the 90cm stems early\u003c\/strong\u003e with netting or pea sticks at 20–30cm height. \u003cstrong\u003eDeadhead regularly\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent the plant putting all its energy into seeds too early — this keeps the \"pincushions\" coming all summer long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor dried seed heads\u003c\/strong\u003e: stop deadheading in late August to allow seed heads to develop. The architectural elongated globes ripen through autumn and dry beautifully for winter arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn cottage borders for the full jewel-tone cottage palette in a single packet. In the cutting garden as a workhorse cut-and-come-again — Scabious 'Imperial Mix' produces an abundance of cut flowers over a long season from a small garden area. In wildlife gardens for the high butterfly value (the flat dome provides a stable landing platform). As an architectural seed-pod plant. For modern meadow-style cottage borders where the relaxed pincushion form provides effortless elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a textural florist combination, pair 'Imperial Mix' with \u003cstrong\u003eAmmi majus\u003c\/strong\u003e — the heavy colourful Scabious cushions against the light frothy white Ammi lace creates a sophisticated professional-looking display that's a florist's dream. With \u003cstrong\u003eWild Carrot (Daucus carota)\u003c\/strong\u003e for the pollinator buffet — both plants feature flat \"landing pads\" that butterflies and hoverflies adore, creating a structural naturalistic meadow feel lasting well into winter. With Scabious 'Black Knight' for moody tonal contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766392303965,"sku":"SCB-IMP","price":2.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/2048800b7a77bf32ba3f6f5_upscale.jpg?v=1779457371","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/scabious-imperial-mix","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}