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Pincushion Flower Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'

Phonetic Spelling
skab-ee-OH-suh kol-um-BAR-ee-uh
Description

'Butterfly Blue' is a cultivar of S. columbaria, otherwise known as the Pincushion Flower. The plant is an herbaceous perennial with delicate foliage, bright lavender-blue flowers, and a relatively small size for the species. It will often bloom continuously from April until the first frost in the fall. It is a bushy ornamental that is perfect for the front of a border or in a container on a patio or deck. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The genus name comes from the Latin scabies meaning the itch in reference to the plant's rough leaves. The species columbaria means "dove-like" in reference to the white blossoms.

Grow in rich, alkaline soil high in organic matter and provide good drainage, as it will not tolerate wet feet or excess moisture, especially in the winter. Plant in a site with full sun. It is tolerant of occasional drought once established and you can deadhead expired blossoms to encourage reblooming. Cut back large stems to encourage new growth from the base.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

Due to its long stalk, this plant may need support or staking to keep an upright habit.  Aphids and mites are minor issues.  To prevent root rot, ensure that this plant is situated in an area with good drainage.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#beneficial insects#dwarf#deer resistant#bushy#herbaceous perennial#compact habit#HS302#bee friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#beneficial insects#dwarf#deer resistant#bushy#herbaceous perennial#compact habit#HS302#bee friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Scabiosa
    Species:
    columbaria
    Family:
    Caprifoliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Wildlife Value:
    attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 4 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Two inch showy lavender-blue flowers that bloom from May to September, or longer. Slightly dome-shaped 1 inch flower heads on long, delicate stems above the foliage. The flower heads are made up of small, tubular flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Pinnatifid
    Spatulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Gray-green finely cut leaves are variable in shape, but most have deep lobes and toothed margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Patio
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought