Common Name: pincushion flower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Zone: 3 to 7
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Violet blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought
Culture
Best grown in light, medium moisture, well-drained soils with a neutral pH in full sun. Good drainage is the key to growing this plant well. Allow soils to dry between waterings. Plants tend to rot in wet, poorly drained soils. Particularly intolerant of wet soils in winter, and benefits from a light, dry winter mulch. Best performance is in cool summer climates such as the Pacific Northwest. Plants are generally intolerant of high heat and humidity, and do not grow well in the deep South (south of USDA Zone 7). Remove spent flowers to encourage additional bloom.
‘Vivid Violet’ does not produce viable seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Scabiosa, commonly called pincushion flower, is a genus of about 80 species of annuals, biennials and perennials primarily from the Mediterranean region but also from other parts of Europe, the Caucasus, Africa, Asia and Japan.
The genus name Scabiosa comes from the Latin scabies meaning the itch in reference to the plant's rough leaves which could supposedly cure scurvy.
‘Vivid Violet’ is a perennial pincushion flower that grows in a low mound to 12” tall and to 18” wide. Large deep violet blue flowers bloom from late spring to late summer (occasionally to frost) on sturdy stems rising slightly above the foliage to 15” tall. The center cushions of these flowers have protruding stamens resembling pins in a pincushion, hence the common name. Gray-green foliage features entire, lance-shaped, basal leaves and divided stem leaves. U.S. Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF).
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Must have well-drained soil to thrive. Watch for aphids and whiteflies. Powdery mildew may occur.
‘Vivid Violet’ reportedly has good resistance to powdery mildew.
Uses
Small groups or mass. Borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens or containers.