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Scabiosa atropurpurea

Image of Scabiosa atropurpurea

TL

Family

Dipsacaceae

Botanical Name

Scabiosa atropurpurea

Plant Common Name

Pincushion Flower

General Description

Scabiosa atropurpurea is a clump-forming tender perennial from southern Europe. It is often used as an annual in higher latitudes. It bears rounded red, pink, or white flower heads on long wiry stems from summer to early fall over clumps of deeply toothed lance-shaped leaves. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the blooms. Many cultivars are available, as plants or seed.

This charming and easy perennial grows best in full sun and fertile well-drained acid to alkaline soil. Deadhead regularly to encourage continued bloom and to prevent self-sowing. A splendid companion for summer-blooming campanulas, veronicas, foxgloves, and verbascums, it is a natural for perennial borders and cottage gardens. The blooms are perfect for cutting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15"-40" / 38.1cm - 101.6cm

  • Width

    8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southern Europe

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Pink, Crimson, Dark Red

  • Fruit Color

    Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes