Pincushion flower scabiosa columbaria butterfly blue

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  3. Perennials
  4. Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' (Pincushion Flower)

Pincushion Flower 'Butterfly Blue', Scabious 'Butterfly Blue', Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue', Scabiosa Butterfly Blue, Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue Beauty', Scabiosa 'Irish Perpetual Flowering', Scabiosa 'Perpetual Flowering'


Enjoying more blooms per season than other Pincushion Flowers, Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' (Pincushion Flower) is a compact, clump-forming perennial forming a short mound of ferny foliage. Blooming for months from late spring until frost, it rewards the gardeners with a profusion of lavender-blue, pincushion-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), atop wiry stems, which hover over the foliage mound of lobed, gray-green leaves. Trouble-free, easy-to-grow, this eye-catching beauty is excellent for grouping or massing in borders and rock gardens. The finely divided foliage stays low and compact, making this pretty perennial suitable for edging borders and paths.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 15 in. wide (37 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Part shade is tolerated in hot summer climates. Protect from winter wet. Drought tolerant.
  • Vital ingredient of beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, prairies or containers. Excellent cut flowers!
  • Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
  • Propagate by division or take basal cuttings
  • Deadheading will extend the bloom season. Cut down in fall.

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Requirements

Hardiness3 – 9
Heat Zones1 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Scabiosa - Pincushion Flowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing15" (37cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

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Requirements

Hardiness3 – 9
Heat Zones1 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Scabiosa - Pincushion Flowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing15" (37cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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How do you take care of a scabiosa Butterfly blue?

They do not like to be cold, nor do they like overly wet conditions. Scabiosa plants also dislike hot, humid weather. Regardless of the type planted, these flowers perform best in full sun and require well-draining, organic-rich soil. The addition of compost, well rotted manure or peat moss will help enrich the soil.

Do pincushion flowers come back every year?

In some areas, the annual pincushion flower, or scabiosa atropurpurea, will reseed. However, in most conditions, you will have to replant them each year. The annual pincushion flower is slightly smaller than its perennial cousins, and it is also available in a wider range of colors.

Is butterfly blue pincushion flower invasive?

Some pincushion flowers can seed about politely in the garden—nothing invasive—so you may find an errant seedling or two in your garden beds.

Is scabiosa columbaria a perennial?

Small scabious, Scabiosa columbaria, is a pretty perennial native to the UK, bearing pale purple flowers on branched stems from early summer and well into autumn.