Small Scabious Seeds Scabiosa columbaria - is similar in appearance to Field Scabious but with smaller flowers and is better suited to lighter drier soils such as those containing chalk or lime. It makes a wonderful plant for the garden, especially a cottage garden and is one of the best meadow plants to attract bees and butterflies. In the wild Small Scabious can attract the Marsh fritillary as a breeding butterfly. The dense pink blooms of Small Scabious have a long flowering season from July through into late summer providing a valuable nectar source for late insects. The seed heads that follow will also attract birds. Small Scabious plants look best grown with other cottage garden wild flowers such as Meadow Cranesbill, Musk Mallow, Foxgloves, Greater Knapweed and Field Scabious. It also looks delightful when seen growing amongst Quaking grass.