PLANT PORN: FIELD SCABIOUS

Ahhh scabious. Loved by bees and florists alike, there's loads of types of scabious out there, each a real beauty in it's own frilly little way, but none quite so humble as the field scabious.

THE DEETS

Field scabious are an ancient wildflower that grows in (you guessed it) fields. It's also partial to a hedgerow or, if you're lucky, your garden borders. Keep an eye out for dainty vibrant lilac flowers with dense, starry seed heads floating above grassy meadows.

NAMECHECK

Scabious is quite possibly the worst suited name to its flower of any. Not looking at these dainty little flowers and immediately thinking of scabs? No, nor us. But the name comes from the Romans, who used the flower heads treat scabies (sorry about that). It's the floral equivalent of the embarrassing nickname from school that your mates just won't let you live down.