A: I believe you are referring to a specific Scabiosa which is a perennial flowering aster-like plant. This flower originated from Mediterranean Europe, Africa and Asia. It can grow in full sun to partial shade but higher sun exposure will produce more flowers. Similar to other perennials, once the flowers fade, removing the old blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Flowers appear in the spring and continue through the fall. The flowers, which can grow to 2 feet, provide an excellent source for nectar feeding animals such as birds and bees. Butterfly Blue Scabiosa, Scabiosa columbaria, can be grown in USDA cold hardiness zones 4-10. Remember our zone here in Nassau County Florida range from 8b to 9a. People often make the assumption using the word perennial means the plant will live forever or at least ten to twenty years. However, this Scabiosa is considered a short lived perennial which means it will live and provide flowers for about 2-3 years. We will also have this plant at our plant sale on Saturday, May 18th.

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