How to Grow Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)

How to Grow Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)

Perennials and Annuals, Scabiosa caucasica

Scabiosa, commonly called pincushion flower, is an attractive and popular bloom. The name comes from the flower's center, which resembles a pincushion with stamens looking like pins.

Native to Asia and Europe, pincushion flower plants have lush, gray to blue-green evergreen foliage. Delicate flowers bloom from spring through mid-fall if you deadhead spent blooms. Flowers grow atop tall, strong stems, making them excellent cut flowers and good dried flowers. Colors include white, blue, pink, red, violet, and yellow.

Grow scabiosa in small groupings in flower beds, as borders, in containers, or in rock gardens. They attract butterflies.

Plant Height: 2–3 feet

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Plant Propagation

Pincushion flowers are grown from seeds. With a long germination period, start them indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, direct-sow outdoors after frost danger passes and soil warms. Plant no more than ¼ inch deep and mark the site.

After 3–4 years, divide and replant crowns in spring. If not divided, production dwindles and the plant dies. Dig up the crown, cut or break into 3 parts, and replant. Space plants 12 inches apart.

Days to Germination: 10–30 days

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How to Grow Scabiosa Pincushion Flower

Plants are easy to grow and need little attention. They dislike cold or hot, humid weather. Grow in full sun to light shade.

Scabiosa prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Mix compost into the planting site when first planting or when dividing and replanting crowns.

Keep soil moist but not wet. Provide extra water during droughts and hot weather. Fertilize once in spring after growth begins, and again in early summer with a general-purpose fertilizer.

Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering all season.

Flowers Bloom: Spring through mid-Fall

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Insects and Disease

Pincushion flower is seldom bothered by insects or disease and generally doesn't need insecticides or fungicides. If problems occur, treat early with insecticidal soap and/or fungicide.

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