scabiosa Pink Mist

[John85]

This plant should be hardy till Z5 yet I lost it last winter.It was growing in a well draining soil and was not in a exposed situation.It was very beautiful during summer ,full of flowers for a long period but died "without warning" during winter.How does it grow in your garden?

[Lori S.]

Scabiosa columbaria is hardy at least down to zone 3 and probably lower.  I don't have 'Pink Mist' but similar cultivars are extremely tough, and unaffected by cold and dry conditions.  They bloom throughout the summer.  I try to deadhead to keep the spread of seed down.

[John85]

Pink Mist is sterile so no problems with seedlings and a very long flowering period.

[Lori S.]

Here's the patent sheet for it.  Its (fertile) kin spread fairly rapidly in our conditions; not having to deal with seedlings in addition to that sounds like a nice improvement. 
http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/PP8957.html

My response was really only to say that I doubt it's a lack of cold hardiness per se that did it in. 

[John85]

Any idea what could have done it?The foliage was healthy till the frost.I have seen no insects in the soil.Is there a disease or pest the scabiosa are prone to?
I like that cv and 'll try it again.Any advice?I'll not try it in the same spot.

[Maggi Young]

I think that Scabiosa are prone to mildew attack... but you would have spotted that so that is not likely to be the answer.