Jasione Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Jasione plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Sheep's Scabious, and Sheep's Bit: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Jasione plant genus can be hardy annuals, biennials, or perennials.

They reach heights of 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) and flower with blue or white pom-pom flowers in the summer.

Their small size makes them ideal for use at the front of borders or in rock gardens.

Some of the names for Jasione include Sheep's Scabious, and Sheep's bit.

Jasione laevis – Shepherd's Scabious by Magnolia1000; creative commons.

Jasione crispa by Francesca.c.r.

How to Grow Sheep's Scabious and other Jasione Plants in the Garden

Sheep's Scabious plants can be grown outdoors by sowing seeds (lightly cover) before the last frost of spring.

Jasione plants should be grown in an area of the garden that is either sunny or partially shaded, and has good drainage, and an acidic soil.

If starting Sheep's Scabious (and other Jasione species) indoors, then they should be started about two months in advance. They can be transplanted in either early spring or early autumn.

They will take from two to four weeks to germinate at 21 degrees Celsius (70°F).

Once growing strong, transplant the Sheep's Scabious into the garden at about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

Caring for Sheep Scabious and other Jasione plants

It is quite easy to look after Jasione in the garden; they require a mulch in the spring, regular watering to keep the soil moist; and the flowering stems removed once flowering has been completed in the autumn.

If you require more Jasione then divide Sheep's scabious in the spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Jasione genus have?

The Jasione genus is fairly small, with just ten species. These plants are commonly known as sheep's bit.

Do members of Jasione make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Jasione plants can make a lovely addition to gardens, particularly rock gardens or borders, thanks to their compact growth and blue, ball-shaped flowers.

Which Jasione species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Jasione montana, or sheep's bit, which is appreciated for its attractive blue flowers and compact size.

Are members of the Jasione plant genus fragrant?

Jasione plants are not typically known for their fragrance, but their unique flowers add a splash of color to any garden.

What is the perfect location to grow Jasione?

Jasione plants prefer full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. They're great for rock gardens or areas with poor soil.

Is Jasione invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Jasione is not listed as an invasive species in the USA.

How do I remove Jasione plants from my garden?

Removing Jasione plants involves simply pulling up the whole plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent them from growing back.

Summary

The Jasione genus, a member of the Campanulaceae family, includes annual and perennial plants native to Europe and North Africa. Recognized for their blue, round flower clusters, these plants are often used in rock gardens and borders.

Jasione prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, sown in the spring or fall.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Jasione plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Rampion, Lapeirousia, and Campanula plants.