The combination of attractive flowers, a long flowering season and versatility make the
Pincushion flower Scabiosa, an old-fashion favorite. Their showy flowers, in addition to being
attractive in the garden are also excellent for cutting, drying, pressing and attracting butterflies.
The name Scabiosa is derived from scabies, Latin for itch; in regard to the plant's supposed
medicinal properties of curing irritation of the skin. It derives its common name Pincushion
flower, from the stamens which stand above the petals resembling pins stuck in a pincushion.
There are both annual and perennial varieties. Both grow and flower best when planted in full
sun in soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Flower colors range from reddish
purple, pink, salmon, rose, white to violet blue.
One of the greatest attributes of the perennial Scabiosas is their long flowering season.
Flowering begins in mid-spring with repeated flowering throughout the growing season when
consistently deadheaded.
The clump-forming nearly flat gray-green basal foliage hugs the ground, creating a mounded
rosette six to eight inches high, so the flowers stand out nicely above the scalloped leaves.
Leaves are hairy, ovate to lance-shaped, with the upper foliage smaller and finely divided.
The leaves are evergreen and remain clean and unblemished throughout the season.
This is a fine perennial for rock gardens, borders, mid-bed plantings and for small group plantings.
It is especially nice when combined with other summer flowering annuals, bulbs, and perennials.
The delicate flowers add softness to the garden when massed with bolder-colored plants of yellow,
bright pink, or red. The flowers are even more noticeable when white flowering plants are planted
nearby, and also work well with cooler tones of silver, and blue.
