Pincushion Flower Scabiosa atropurpurea
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Pincushion Flower:
- Phonetic Spelling
- scah-bee-OH-sah ah-tro-pur-pur-EE-ah
- Description
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The Pincushion Flower gets its name because it resembles a pincushion loaded with needles. It grows best in cooler climates, it does not perform at its best in areas that experience high temperatures and humidity. Grow in rich, alkaline soil high in organic matter. Provide good drainage, as it will not tolerate wet feet. It makes a good cut flower. Deadheading will prolong bloom period, however, leaving the spent blooms on the plant may add interest to your garden.
It is typically grown as an annual, however it may persist as a perennial in locations where winters remain mild. Where conditions are ideal, it can naturalize.
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:
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- 'Ace of Spades'
Highly fragrant, double flowers, up to 3' tall.
- 'Ace of Spades'
- 'Ace of Spades'
- Tags:








- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Ace of Spades'
Highly fragrant, double flowers, up to 3' tall.
- 'Ace of Spades'
- 'Ace of Spades'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Scabiosa
- Species:
- atropurpurea
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mediterranean
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Mounding
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Blooms from summer to frost on 2' stems that are above the cushion of foliage.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblong
- Pinnatifid
- Spatulate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The basal leaves are
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought