Knautia arvensis
Field Scabious is a graceful UK‑native perennial with soft lilac‑blue pincushion flowers held on long, airy stems that sway beautifully in the breeze. Blooming from midsummer into autumn, it brings height, movement, and gentle colour to meadows, borders, and pollinator gardens. It pairs beautifully with Devil's-bit Scabious and Greater knapweed, both of which are also available in our store and are pet friendly.
🌿 Full Sun 
🌿 Pet Friendly 
🌿 Medium Pollen 
🌿 Growth Habit: Returns each year; spreads gently by seed 
🌿 Large flower; Height & Spread = 60–100 cm tall × 30–50 cm wide
🌿 Wildlife Value: A superb nectar source for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, and a key larval food plant for the Marsh Fritillary and Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth.
Care: Field Scabious thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, performing best in open, meadow-like settings. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in its first year. Suitable for medium to large pots with a minimum depth and diameter of 25–30 cm. When planting in the ground, leave around 40–50 cm of space to allow its tall stems to develop naturally. It self-seeds lightly; removing spent flower heads before seed pods form will reduce spread. Dies back in winter and returns reliably in spring.
Allergen Information: Medium pollen. Flowers from June to September, with pollen levels highest in midsummer. Individual sensitivities can vary and may develop over time. Pocket Wilds accepts no responsibility for any allergic reaction.
Pet Safety Notice: “Pet Friendly” means this plant is generally considered safe to be touched, sniffed, or lightly ingested by dogs and cats; however, no plant should be deliberately eaten in large quantities, as digestive upset may occur if it’s unfamiliar to the body. Individual allergies or sensitivities can also develop at any time, so Pocket Wilds always suggests supervision when introducing new plants to curious hands, paws, or mouths.
Fun Fact: In English folklore, Field Scabious was once called “Lady’s Cushion,” and its soft, rounded blooms were said to be used by fairies as resting pillows.