Growli

Overwintering guide

How to overwinter scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue'

Verdict
Stays outside
When
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
Hardiness
Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens.

Winter watering

No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.

The mistake that kills scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' in winter

Cutting scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.

More scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' care

Overwintering scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' — FAQ

Does scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' need to come indoors for winter?

Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.

When should I move scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' for winter?

Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.

How often should I water scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' in winter?

No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.

What kills scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' over winter?

Cutting scabiosa columbaria 'butterfly blue' hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.