If you are actually looking for a new
addition to your flower garden you can try scabiosa. Scabiosa is also known as
pincushion flower. Scabiosa plant is an easy-care plant that works well nearly
anywhere and its interesting flowers are a stunning sight to behold. Scabiosa plants
are especially attractive to butterflies. Scabiosa plant is suitable for bed
and border plantings or in containers.
What are Scabiosa Plants?
The Scabiosa Plant is part of the
Scabiosa genus of flowering plants. Its common name derived from the flower’s
cushion-like center and pin-looking stamens, which resemble that of a
pincushion. This plant is an attractive summer bloomer and they can be found in
a variety of colors with blue, purple and white being the most notable. The plant
flowers can reach up to a foot or two in height above the lush gray to
blue-green foliage. Additionally, there are annual and perennial types of
scabiosa plant:
Annual Scabiosa: The annual Scabiosa must be replanted each year, however in some areas
they may reseed. Usually the flowers of annual Scabiosa are somewhat smaller
than their perennial counterparts and they include more color variety as well,
ranging in shades of deep maroon, rose, lavender-blue, pink and white.
Perennial Scabiosa: This type of scabiosa are most often found in shades of blue or white, although
pink varieties are also available as well. The flowers are also larger, up to 2
½ to three inches (7-7.5 cm.) and they normally bloom from late spring/early
summer until the first frost. Unlike the annual Scabiosa, their foliage remains
green year round and will return each year.
How to Grow Scabiosa
Scabiosa plants are hardy to USDA
plant hardiness zones 3 to seven and they are most suitable to temperate
conditions. Scabiosa plants do not like to be cold, nor do they like overly wet
conditions. The plants also dislike hot, humid weather. Regardless of the type
planted, Scabiosa plants perform best in full sun and they require
well-draining, organic-rich soil. The addition of compost, well rotted manure
or peat moss will also help to enrich the soil. Scabiosa plants are normally
grown by seed, however container-grown plants are also available. Scabiosa
plants can be started from seed indoors during early spring or sown directly in
the garden after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds germinate within 2
weeks and can be individually potted and transferred to the garden by May. The plant
should be spaced at least ten to twelve inches apart. Perennial varieties can
also be planted out in fall. Make sure you water thoroughly after planting.
Both perennial and annual types will usually flower in their first year.
How to Care for
Scabiosa Plants
The plant overall care is minimal, with
the exception to watering during unusually dry conditions, as rainfall is
normally adequate in meeting their needs. Make sure you water once a week when
there is no rain and twice a week during drought-like conditions. With adequate
growing conditions and soil, Scabiosa plants require little, if any,
fertilizer. Caring for Scabiosa plants does involve some upkeep, however.
Deadheading spent blooms is very important to keep the plants flowering and
also improves their appearance. Pruning can be performed as well, especially
with perennial plantings. Cuts should be made just above a leaf joint, or the
stems can be cut back to the bottom leaves in fall. Perennial Scabiosa can be
propagated through both seed and division. Overcrowded plants should be divided
every 3 to 4 years in early spring.
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