Scabiosa image 1

Scabiosa

Scabiosa atropurpurea, S. stellata, S. caucasica

Category: Flowers

Elegant flowers atop long, wiry stems that look like pins sticking out of a pincusion. Flowers are blue, white, red, gold, and purple. Seed heads are attractive for dried arrangements or winter interest. Plants grow tall so netting is recommended.Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to these flowers. Fama series are perennial. Fun fact: Scabiosa was thought to cure scurvy.

How to Grow Scabiosa

Quick Info

Spacing
1/Square
Sun
Full Sun
Water
1 in/week
Season
Warm
Frost
Tolerant
Height
1-2 ft
Germination
10-12 days
Germination Temp
65-70 °F
Sprout to Harvest
90-100 days
Soil pH

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Varieties

Black Knight Pincushion Flower
Black Knight Pincushion Flower Striking, near-black flowers provide an exceptionally long bloom season, attracting pollinators and serving as excellent cut flowers.
Fata Morgana
Fata Morgana Soft, ruffled peach and apricot blooms create an airy, romantic display, perfect for adding a vintage touch to gardens and vases.
Imperial Mix Pincushion
Imperial Mix Pincushion This easy-to-grow annual produces distinctive pincushion blooms in various colors, continuously attracting pollinators all summer.
Isaac House Blend Pincushion Flower
Isaac House Blend Pincushion Flower This exceptionally long-blooming and hardy pincushion flower offers delicate white, lilac, and blue blooms perfect for bouquets.
Snowmaiden
Snowmaiden Delicate ivory, honey-scented blooms give way to distinctive honeycomb seed heads that add winter interest.
Starflower /Pincushion Flower
Starflower /Pincushion Flower Unique pale blue and white flowers are followed by spherical, star-patterned seedheads that dry exceptionally well for lasting arrangements.

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Barely cover seeds as light aids germination.

Planting Considerations

Scabiosa does not like wet feet.

Harvesting

Pick when flower is almost fully open. Harvest the attractive seed heads when green and center just black.

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