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Scabiosa columbaria

Also Known As

Scabiosa anthemifolia
Pincushion Flower
Pincushion Flower

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

4a-10b

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Scabiosa columbaria plant details

Scabiosa columbaria is a broadleaf deciduous perennial herb with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer blue, lavender and pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in alkaline, average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Scabiosa columbaria

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: caprifoliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: blue, lavender and pink blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: cutting garden, floriferous, long-blooming, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Scabiosa columbaria

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A sprawling, evergreen, shrubby perennial. Bright green, softly haired, deeply toothed, spoon shaped leaves encircle the lax stems to make for a dense weed suppressing ground cover. Throughout the warmer months copious quantities of lavender, pincushion-like, 8cm, flowers are produced. A traditional cottage garden plant. Tough.

By: Zephs

I was thrilled to discover this lovely, profuse blooming perennial pincushion with its lush green foliage was also drought & heat tolerant! Blooming continuously from Spring thru Fall, it bears butterfly attracting, 2” across, lavender blooms atop substantial upright branching stems. The pretty almost ferny 1’ tall by 2’ wide foliage mound spreads by rooting where stems touch the soil, but are easily removed & handy for creating new plants to share. Requires NO SUMMER WATER, but looks better with a little. Cut back hard in Fall & side dress with compost each Spring.