Dwarf Pincushion Flower

(Scabiosa columbaria)

Dwarf Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria)

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Scabiosa_columbaria_kz30.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, NC. Names: Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk' , Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac, Japanese Tree Lila Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Spermatopsi... |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Scabiosa columbaria, commonly known as Dwarf Pincushion Flower, is a perennial herb that is often treated as an evergreen in mild climates but may die back in colder regions. It originates from grasslands, rocky slopes and open woodlands in Europe, western Asia, and parts of Africa. This plant typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming a low mound of lacy foliage. The flowers are notably showy, with a pincushion-like center surrounded by an array of petals, blooming in shades of blue, lavender, pink, or white from late spring to fall.

Dwarf Pincushion Flower is valued for its extended flowering period and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, though it tolerates a range of soil types. Regular deadheading encourages continuous bloom. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky slopes and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Dove Pincushions, Small Scabious, Pigeon’s Scabious, Yellow Scabious, Due-Skabiose, Taubenskabiose, Tauben-Skabiose, Gewöhnliche Tauben-Skabiose, Kivikkotörmäkukka, Colombaire

Scientific Names: , Scabiosa columbaria, Scabiosa crenata, Scabiosa communis, Scabiosa balbinii, Scabiosa vogesiaca, Scabiosa purpurea, Scabiosa levieri, Scabiosa longicincta, Scabiosa subalpina

GBIF Accepted Name: Scabiosa columbaria L.