Devil’s bit Scabious (Coireán na gcuach) Folklore tells us that this native wildflower plant got its name due to the fact that the devil bit off some of the root in a fit of annoyance at its medicinal properties. In any case this is a low-maintenance plant, found wild in marshes and hedgerows, even bogs, with pretty violet-blue pincushion flowers on long stalks. A lovely architectural plant adding height and colour to your garden. Site: Tolerates some exposureSoil: Well-drained to poorly drainedPosition: Full sun to part shadeSeason of Interest: Perennial, violet flowers June-OctHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 1.5-3ft (0.5-1m) Spread: 1.5ft (0.45m)