Field Scabious

knautia arvensis

Also known as: ["Field Scabious","Field Scabious","Field Scabious"]

Family: Dipsacaceae Genus: Knautia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its delicate lavender-blue flowers and long flowering period.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Dipsacaceae
Genus: Knautia
Botanical Name: Knautia arvensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or wildflower meadow
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing near heat sources.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure soil is not compacted; use mulch to retain moisture; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but not frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in fall; use organic options for slow release.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may take longer to establish.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a peat-based medium.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems; shape as needed.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tool.

Checklist

Clean tools; remove dead/damaged growth; shape plant; sanitize tools after use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid overpotting.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; loosen roots; add fresh soil; water lightly; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use lime to raise pH if needed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop; soil dries out quickly.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to soil; avoid contact with foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Knautia arvensis can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a sign of water stress, either from overwatering or underwatering. It can also result from pest infestations or disease.

Wilting in Knautia arvensis typically suggests water stress, either due to insufficient water supply or root damage that impairs water uptake. It may also be caused by root rot or severe pest infestations.

Leaf spots on Knautia arvensis are commonly caused by fungal pathogens like Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Knautia arvensis is often associated with overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections such as Fusarium or Pythium. This can severely compromise the plant's structural integrity and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Knautia arvensis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines. Ingestion is unlikely to cause adverse effects unless done in large quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, prevent cats from consuming large amounts of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Knautia arvensis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines. Ingestion is unlikely to cause significant health issues unless consumed in excessive amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, monitor pets to prevent overconsumption of any plant material.
Humans
Non-toxic

Knautia arvensis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its slightly astringent properties. The plant has no significant toxic effects on human physiology.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea mild stomach upset
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consuming large amounts of the plant. Use only for ornamental purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Field Scabious toxic to pets?

A: No, Field Scabious is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: What are the common uses of Field Scabious?

A: It is primarily grown for ornamental purposes and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Q: How does Field Scabious grow?

A: It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and is drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Dipsacaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Wood Scabious
View
Arvernian Scabious
View
Slender Knapweed
View
Macedonian Scabious
View