Caprifoliaceae
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa Genus)
Scabiosa
Easy in a sunny bed. Grow in full sun, with a little afternoon shade where summers are very hot, in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Water about once a week while growing and let the soil dry between waterings; once established it tolerates drought but not soggy soil. Feed lightly. Deadhead to keep it flowering from spring to autumn and divide perennial clumps every 3 years.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Pincushion Flower?
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa) is a easy-care plant from the Caprifoliaceae family. Scabiosa is the scabious or pincushion flower genus, in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It has about 67 annual and perennial species from Europe, Africa and Asia. The flowers sit atop long, thin stems in round, flattish heads: in the center, buds and stamens look like pins stuck in a cushio...
Pincushion Flower grows up to 90cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Pincushion Flower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Pincushion Flower is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Pincushion Flower?
TLDR: Pincushion Flower needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Pincushion Flower?
Water when the soil dries, about once a week in the growing season. Constantly wet soil, especially in winter, rots the roots.
How Much Light Does Pincushion Flower Need?
Full sun, 6 or more hours a day. In very hot climates it accepts light afternoon shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Pincushion Flower?
Moderately fertile, very well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a little compost. On clay, plant in a raised bed.
What Pot Should You Use for Pincushion Flower?
A medium pot, at least 25 cm, with drainage holes and free-draining mix; water less than other potted bloomers.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
What Is Pincushion Flower and Where Does It Come From?
Scabiosa is the scabious or pincushion flower genus, in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It has about 67 annual and perennial species from Europe, Africa and Asia. The flowers sit atop long, thin stems in round, flattish heads: in the center, buds and stamens look like pins stuck in a cushion, ringed by frilly petals. The most common colors are lavender blue, lilac and creamy white, and garden cultivars run from pink to near-black burgundy. The flowers are rich in nectar and draw bees and butterflies. The perennials usually live only 2 or 3 years.
How to Propagate Pincushion Flower?
Sowing
Annual scabious often self-sows in the bed if you leave a few flowers to set seed.
- 1 Sow in a tray of light mix, lightly covering the seed
- 2 Keep moist in a bright, warm spot
- 3 Pot on seedlings at 2-3 leaves
- 4 Plant out after frost, 30 cm apart
Materials needed:
Clump division
Divide every 3 years to keep plants vigorous.
- 1 Lift the perennial clump carefully in spring or autumn
- 2 Split into pieces, each with roots and shoots
- 3 Replant at the same depth and water well
Materials needed:
How Big Does Pincushion Flower Grow?
TLDR: Pincushion Flower can reach up to 90cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Pincushion Flower?
TLDR: Pincushion Flower is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Fun Facts
The name comes from Latin scabiosus, rough or itchy, because the plant was used against scabies.
The center of the flower looks like a cushion full of pins, hence the name pincushion flower.
Some scabious cultivars are such a dark burgundy that they look black.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep scabiosa flowering longer?
Why did my scabiosa die after a few years?
Why do the leaves have a white powder?
Does scabiosa need much fertilizer?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
