Scabiosa lucida, commonly known as shining scabious, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, including the Alps and the Carpathians. It is typically found in subalpine and alpine meadows, grasslands, and rocky areas, where it contributes to the biodiversity of high-altitude ecosystems. Shining scabious reaches up to 24 inches in height and features lance-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette. The plant produces bright blue to violet flowers that bloom from June to August, offering a long flowering season and adding a splash of color to the garden.

Shining scabious is valued for its showy flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as a border plant in garden settings. This species thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with full sun to partial shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it benefits from deadheading to promote continued blooming. It is not known for being particularly problematic in terms of diseases or pests, but it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0