How to Grow and Care for Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)

Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flowers, are easy-to-grow, typically short-lived perennial flowers in various hues. They are button-like in shape and have petals that flutter in the breeze. Under ideal growing conditions, blooms can last from spring to the first frost, although they might slow down in the high heat of summer.

Scabiosa grows best in moderate temperatures or some shade if you live in a hot climate with harsh afternoon sun. This flower is not necessarily fussy about the soil type, but it must be very well-draining for the plant to thrive. Pincushion flower is non-toxic to animals and humans, and historically, it has been used in traditional medicine.

Scabiosa Care

Here are the basic requirements for successfully growing scabiosa. These shorter-lived perennials typically return annually for two to three years.

• Plant or situate in full sunlight or partial shade in a hot climate.
• Ensure the soil is moist but very well-draining, or they will suffer after the first season.
• Regularly water young flowers and pull back watering as they mature.
• Scabiosa handles cold and hot temperatures, although it prefers some shade or more water during peak heat.
• Fertilizer is not required, although giving a balanced fertilizer bimonthly might promote more flowers.

Light

Plant your scabiosa in a spot with six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Typically, this means a location with full sun, but some partial afternoon shade is fine, too, especially if you’re growing the blooms in a particularly hot summer climate. They will not do well when planted in a shady spot.

Soil

Scabiosa plants like soil that is moist but well-draining. They can fool you by blooming happily in clay soil for one season, but wet soils during their dormancy will turn your carefree perennial into an annual.

If your landscape has heavy or boggy soil, you’re better off growing your scabiosa in raised beds. Additionally, the blooms are not particular about their soil pH and can thrive in a neutral or slightly alkaline mixture.

Water

When your scabiosa flowers are young and establishing their root systems, provide them with at least an inch of water weekly. After that, the plants can tolerate brief periods of drought. Keep in mind that the hotter your weather, the more water they will need, so their tolerance for drought goes way down in the summer.

Temperature and Humidity

Scabiosa blooms grow best in the moderate temperatures of spring, early summer, and early fall. They dislike being hot or humid, but can handle peak summer heat better if planted in a partially shady spot.

Fertilizer

Pincushion flowers are light feeders and can do well without being treated with fertilizer. If you want to give your plants an extra boost (and up your chances of bountiful blooms), you can feed your scabiosa bimonthly with a balanced flower fertilizer during their growing season.

Types of Scabiosa

Several different varietals of scabiosa plants are available with different colors and appearances. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• ‘Black Knight’: This type features burgundy flowers with prominent white stamens.
• ‘Butterfly Blue’: A popular wedding varietal, the flowers of this type are more lavender than true blue.
• ‘Fama White’: The varietal thrives in cooler weather and produces larger, white flowers.
• ‘Pink Mist’: This graceful varietal has pink and near-translucent flowers.

Propagating Scabiosa

Scabiosa plants can be propagated via division every two to three years, depending on how large your parent plant grows. Division is a great way to keep growth under control, tame unruly plants, and help with overcrowding.

To propagate scabiosa, take these easy steps:

1. Divide the plant in early spring, separating several stronger, healthier stems for propagation.
2. Plant them in your desired location, in an environment that closely mirrors their origin.
3. Water gently and frequently until the plant establishes—you should see growth from strong divisions within the first year.

How to Grow Scabiosa From Seed

Scabiosa is also easily grown from seeds indoors or outdoors. If direct sowing outdoors, sow seeds in autumn or spring after the threat of frost. Sow seeds indoors between four and six weeks before the last spring frost in your area. Here’s how to sow seeds:

1. Sow evenly, spacing seeds 9 to 15 inches apart.
2. Cover with a thin 1/4 inch of potting soil.
3. Maintain a temperature of 65°F to 70°F during this period.
4. Seeds typically germinate within five to 15 days.
5. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost or directly sow in the ground afterward.

Potting and Repotting Scabiosa

Scabiosa can grow well in pots if they are kept outdoors in full sun. If they begin to flop, they may need staking in the container. The container needs to be large, around 12 inches in diameter, and with numerous drainage holes.

Fill the pot with a regular but rich potting mix. Water and feed the plant regularly, but watch out for soggy soil.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Though not typical, your scabiosa may become afflicted with many common garden pests, such as aphids, slugs, spider mites, and thrips. If you notice insects on your plant (or telltale signs, like chewed leaves), treat plants with a mild insecticide or natural solution such as neem oil.

Scabiosa is sensitive to moisture and humidity, so the plant may be susceptible to fungal issues like leaf spot, root rot, or powdery mildew. Plant your flowers in well-draining soil to reduce these problems. Also, water the plant at its base (where the stems meet the soil) so you don’t put too much moisture into the dense mass of stems.

How to Get Scabiosa to Bloom

Bloom Months

Scabiosa blooms from spring until frost, with the heaviest blooming period occurring in May.

What Do Scabiosa Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Scabiosa gets its other common name, pincushion flower, because the prominent stamens emerging from the compact, round centers look like pincushions filled with needles. Scabiosa plants form a low mound of foliage, and healthy plants may produce 20 to 50 fragrant blooms, each held individually on thin stems.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Scabiosa needs a lot of sun. You will notice a reduction in blooms and buds if the plant isn’t getting enough light. Sometimes, only foliage will grow without flowering if a fertilizer is too high in nitrogen or if the plants are fed too often.

Deadheading Scabiosa Flowers

Deadheading is laborious on plants with so many small flowers on individual stems. To encourage a new flush of blooms in early fall, shear the plant in midsummer when the blossom output is low.

Common Issues With Scabiosa

Scabiosa plants are exceedingly easy to care for. For the greatest success, plant scabiosa in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. However, as with all plants, look out for signs of stress.

Stems That Flop

The flower’s long, thin stalky stems may need staking to keep them growing upright.

Not Blooming

Scabiosa that do not bloom usually need more sun and less fertilizer.

Won’t Grow Back

Even if you have reliable scabiosa that grow yearly, they may turn into annuals and not reappear. The average lifespan is about two to three years, with only the most ideal growing conditions yielding perpetually returning scabiosa. If this happens, a temperature change or other issues may have affected the plants. Some scabiosa are more vigorous than others and die out sooner.