‘Butterfly Blue’ pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria) is a rather small plant, but it makes a big impact in the garden with its insanely long bloom time. Starting in April its unique, frilly rounded flowers start popping up in masses and continue to feed pollinators well into frost. Its petite habit allows it to be tucked easily into mixed beds, containers, or cut flower gardens, where it will be rather low maintenance after it has been established. If you enjoy spending time in your garden, this selection responds well to deadheading and will reward you with more prolific reblooming.
The pincushion flower, or Scabiosa, gets its name from the beautiful pincushion-like flowers that cover the plant all summer long. Scabiosa plants are considered exceptionally easy to care for as long as you provide them with enough light and well-draining soil. In ideal growing conditions, pincushion flower is one of the best plants you can grow if you want to attract butterflies to your garden.
Vital details:
Size: 12-18″ x 12-18″
Light: Sun (6+ hrs/day)
Water: Needs medium to dry moisture, will not tolerate too much moisture or soggy conditions.
Hardiness: 5-9
Pollinator value: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Notable features: Accent, border, containers, cottage gardening, edging, ground cover, massing, Small spaces, cut flower gardens, pollinator gardens.
Plant name: ‘Butterfly Blue’ Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria)