Scabiosa

( skay - bee - OH - suh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of annuals and perennials is commonly called Pincushion Flower and includes species which need full sun and moderate to regular water to perform well in the garden. These flowers will attract butterflies to the landscape. Each flower has protruding stamens and blooms over a long season beginning in midsummer. Species are native to temperate and Mediterranean-climate regions of Europe, Western and Central Asia, and parts of northern and eastern Africa. Use Scabiosa in mixed borders and beds, to edge pathways, in containers, or massed together for a dramatic effect. They are commonly included in rock, informal, cottage, pollinator and cut flower gardens.

Scabiosa Species and Varietals

The genus Scabiosa is a member of the Honeysuckle plant family Caprifoliaceae and includes around 70 accepted species. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Knautia (Scabious), Abelia, Leycesteria (Himalayan Honeysuckle) and Lonicera (Honeysuckle). Pincushion Flower growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Scabiosa atropurpurea (Pincushion Flower, Mourning Bride)
This species is an annual in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, H1 and H2 and can persist as a perennial where winters are mild. It is native to southern Europe and reaches 2.5-3 feet tall and a foot wide at maturity. Flowers top stems in black-purple, salmon, pink, rose, and white. Cultivars include 'Black Knight' (with deep maroon to almost black flowers), 'Beaujolais Bonnets' (rich burgundy blooms), 'Ace of Spades' (with highly fragrant dark purple flowers to 3 feet tall), 'Chile Black' (with crimson-black flowers), and 'Snowmaiden' (with pure white flowers; great for pollinators).

Scabiosa caucasica (Pincushion Flower, Blue Widow Flower, Caucasian Scabious, Caucasian Pincushion, Tousek-e Gafqazi, طوسک قفقازی, Perennial Cushion Flower, Itch Weed, Scab Weed, Kafkas Uyuzotu, çok Yıllık Uyuz Otu)
This species is grown as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones zones 2-10 and 14-24 and is native to the Caucasus, Iran and Turkey. It reaches 1.5-2.5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide and has white, bluish, or lavender flowers. This species needs partial shade in warmer climates, but can otherwise take full sun conditions. Cultivars include those in the 'Fama' series (pictured, 18-30 in. tall with 3-4 in. ruffled blooms in pastel and deep tones), 'Blue Perfection' (with mid-blue flowers), 'Miss Wilmott' (with silver-white blooms), and 'Bressingham White' (with pure white flowers).

Scabiosa columbaria (Pincushion Flower, Small Scabious, Dwarf Pincushion Flower, Pigeon's Scabious, Dove Pincushions, African White Scabious, Wild Scabious, Bitterbos, Koringblom, Skurfkruid, Jongmansknoop, Tlhako-ea-pitsi, Selomi, Mamokhale, Moholungoane, Isilawu, Esikhulu, Ibheka, Runhema, )
This perennial grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-11 and 14-24 and is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Leaves are greyish-green and flowers are lavender-blue, pink or white. Individual plants reach up to 12-30 inches tall and 10-24 inches wide at maturity. Cultivars include 'Butterfly Blue' (with deep lavender-blue blooms), 'Pink Mist' (with pink flowers), 'Misty Butterflies' (to 6-8 in. with pale pink, blue, and purple flowers), and those in the 'Flutter' Series (with large, showy blooms on compact stems to 18 in.). Varietal Scabiosa columbaria ochroleuca gas white to cream-colored flowers and reaches about 2 feet tall.

Scabiosa japonica (Japanese Scabious, Pincushion Flower, Matsu-Mushi-Sou,マツムシソウ, 松虫草)
These plants are native to central and southern Japan and have been introduced to the Dominican Republic. They are suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8. These are biennial to short-lived perennial plants that reach between 4 and 20 inches tall when mature and in bloom. There are many garden ornamental cultivars, including 'Blue Note' (to 12 in with purple blooms), 'Blue Star' (compact with lavender-blue flowers), 'Blue Diamonds' (to 6-8 inches tall with lilac flowers), and those in the 'Ritz' Series (to 10 in. tall).

Scabiosa stellata (Lomelosia stellata) (Starflower Pincushions, Starflower Scabious, Drumbstick Scabious)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is an annual from the western Mediterranean. It reaches 1.5 feet tall and a foot wide. Flowers are pale blue to white and mature quickly to brownish-bronze round seed heads that are valued in flower arranging. Cultivars of this species include 'Paper Moon' (the main cultivar with lavender-blue flowers and exceptionally large flower heads), 'Drumstick' (with strong, single stems), and 'Ping Pong' (commercially grown with large ball-shaped seed capsules.

Caring for Scabiosa

These easy-to-grow short-lived perennial flowers are best in full sun (between 6 and 8 hours each day) or partial shade (especially in warmer climates). Scabiosa does not do well in full shade. Space plants between 9 and 18 inches part for best coverage and airflow in mixed beds and borders. If growing Scabiosa as a cut flower, consider using a single layer of horizontal support netting installed 8 to 12 inches above the soil line to prevent stems from flopping over under the weight of their blooms. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. An inch of water per week is typically sufficient for young plants. At maturity, Scabiosa is considered to be somewhat drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year with supplemental irrigations during extended periods of drought or dry weather. The warmer the weather is, the more water they will need.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Pruning Scabiosa plants is straightforward; simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the active growing season in spring and early summertime. Deadhead flower stems as they appear (if harvesting seeds later on for propagation, make sure to leave some on the plant to mature). Divide Scabiosa every few years to improve performance if plants are struggling. For instructions on how to successfully divide Scabiosa flowers, see the Propagation section below. Scabiosa can be annual or perennial. Annual species are typically pulled at the end of the growing season and composted or left in place to enrich soil. Perennial species can be expected to survive in the landscape for 2 to 5 years before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Scabiosa in Containers
Scabiosa flowers do well in the ground but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Scabiosa plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Scabiosa
Scabiosa, or Pincushion Flower, are popular cut flowers, and can be used either fresh or dried. They have long stems and colorful blooms, and are typically available from spring through fall. They combine well with many different types of flowers, and are used for their whimsical bounce, long stems, and textured button-like blooms or seed heads. The species most commonly cultivated for cut flowers are Scabiosa atropurpurea (Sweet Scabiosa) and Scabiosa caucasica (Perennial Pincushion), which have many cultivars to choose from with varying flower sizes and colors. Harvest Scabiosa flowers when the outer ring of petals is open and flattened, but the center of the bloom remains slightly domed and tight. Cutting too late can mean rapid petal drop, and cutting too early can reduce the chances the flower will fully open. The best time to harvest is in the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Cut flower stems at their base using sharp, clean shears or snips, remove any leaves that will sit below the water line, and drop into a bucket of cool water. The vase life of Scabiosa fresh cut flowers is 7-10 days.

The seed heads of Scabiosa stellata, or Starflower, are popular in dried flower arrangements; they keep their color and shape when dehydrated. They are typically available from mid-summer through early fall. Harvest the seed pods atop flowering stems when they are light green to brownish, firm, and the centers or star-like tips begin to turn black or golden-green. Using sharp, clean shears, make a cut at the base of the stem. Do not drop in water; instead, strip the lower leaves, and then bundle in bunches of 5 to 10 stems. Tie bundles loosely with twine, and then hang them upside-down in a dark, dry airy space to keep them straight and preserve their shape. They should be completely dried in 2 to 3 weeks' time. Keep them in a low-humidity area away from direct sunlight to prevent colors from fading.

Propagation

Scabiosa, or Pincushion Flower, can be propagated by division, cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Pincushion Flower, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Scabiosa by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds in summer or fall. Wait for flower heads to turn completely brown and dry out on the plant. Snip the dried seed heads off the plant, and place them in a paper bag or other container. Bring into a sheltered workspace and then crush the seed heads gently, releasing the small, feathery seeds. The seeds can be stored in a dry paper envelope or clean glass container in a cool, dark space, where they will stay viable for between 2 and 5 years.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Alternatively, Scabiosa flowers can be direct-sown into the garden soil in springtime after all danger of frost has passed. Clear the planting bed of weeds and rake it smooth. Moisten soil lightly before planting to help seeds stay in place. Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and then cover them lightly with a layer of fine soil or vermiculite. Mist the area daily and keep the bed evenly moist until sprouts appear, which should take between 10 and 21 days. Thin seedlings to stand 9 to 18 inches apart once they put out their first true leaves.

Propagating Scabiosa by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Scabiosa by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring, and is only possible with perennial species of Scabiosa. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Scabiosa plants form rounded or slightly elongated seed heads that will turn brown when mature.

Scabiosa seeds are small, elongated, and dry, often enclosed in a fuzzy or papery husk. They can be brown, tan, grey or almost black depending on the maturity and species.