Pincushion Flower
scabiosa atropurpurea
Also known as: ["Black Scabious","Mourning Bride"]
Overview
A herbaceous annual plant known for its distinctive pincushion-like flowers in shades of purple, red, and white.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus: | Scabiosa |
| Botanical Name: | Scabiosa atropurpurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; light pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for cuttings; sow seeds in spring or fall.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light for cuttings; full sun for seedlings.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; seedlings can be sown directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Optional for cuttings, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks under ideal conditions.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; trim stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead regularly; trim leggy stems; remove damaged growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants to sheltered areas; use frost cloths for protection.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicScabiosa atropurpurea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicScabiosa atropurpurea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicScabiosa atropurpurea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Scabiosa atropurpurea?
A: Propagate by seed, sowing directly into the garden after the last frost or starting indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting.
Q: Does Scabiosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Scabiosa?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caprifoliaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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