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Growing Conditions For Scabiosa Flowers – How To Care For Scabiosa
Pincushion Flower
Pincushion Flowers
By: Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden
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Image by BambiG
By Nikki Tilley
(Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden)
Looking for a new addition to the flower garden? Try scabiosa, also
known as pincushion flower. This easy-care plant works well nearly
anywhere and its interesting flowers are a stunning sight to behold.
They are especially attractive to butterflies. This plant is suitable
for bed and border plantings or in containers. The long stems and
flowering season also makes it ideal for use in cutting gardens.
What are Pincushion Flowers?
The pincushion flower is part of the Scabiosa genus of flowering plants.
Its common name derived from the flower’s cushion-like center and
pin-looking stamens, which resemble that of a pincushion. This
attractive summer bloomer can be found in a variety of colors with blue,
purple and white being the most notable. Flowers may reach up to a foot
or two in height above the lush gray to blue-green foliage. In
addition, there are both annual and perennial types of scabiosa:
Annual pincushion (Scabiosa atropurpurea) – This type must be replanted
each year, though in some areas they may reseed. Generally, the flowers
of annual pincushion are somewhat smaller than their perennial
counterparts and may include more color variety as well, ranging in
shades of deep maroon, lavender-blue, rose, pink and white.
Perennial pincushion (Scabiosa caucasica) – Perennial scabiosa plants
are most often found in shades of blue or white, though pink varieties
are available as well. Flowers are also larger, up to 2 ½ to 3 inches
and will normally bloom from late spring/early summer until the first
frost. Unlike the annual type, their foliage remains green year round
and will return each year.
How to Grow a Pincushion Flower
So what are the growing conditions for scabiosa flowers? These plants
are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7 and most suitable to
temperate conditions. 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.
Pincushion flowers are normally grown by seed, though container-grown
plants may also be available. They can be started from seed indoors
during early spring or sown directly in the garden after the threat of
frost has passed. The seeds germinate within two weeks and can be
individually potted and transferred to the garden by May. They should be
spaced at least 10-12 inches apart. Perennial varieties can also be
planted out in fall. Water scabiosa thoroughly after planting. Both
annual and perennial types will usually flower in their first year.
How to Care for Scabiosa Plants
Their overall care is minimal, with exception to watering during
unusually dry conditions, as rainfall is normally adequate in meeting
their needs. Water once a week when there is no rain and twice a week
during drought-like conditions.
With adequate growing conditions and soil, pincushion flowers require
little, if any, fertilizer.
Caring for pincushion plants does involve some upkeep, however.
Deadheading spent blooms is necessary to keep the plants flowering and
also improves their appearance. Pruning can be performed as well,
especially with perennial plantings. Cuts should be made just above a
leaf joint, or the stems can be cut back to the bottom leaves in fall.
Perennial types can be propagated through both seed and division.
Overcrowded plants should be divided every three to four years in early
spring
Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Conditions For Scabiosa Flowers – How To Care For Scabiosa Pincushion Flower https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Conditions For Scabiosa Flowers – How To Care For Scabiosa Pincushion Flower https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm