Did You Say Pincushion Flower?
I fear that many younger gardeners may not be familiar with what a pincushion actually is let alone the Pincushion Flower. For those readers who may not be familiar with a pincushion, it is a small, stuffed bag; ours looks like a tomato, where sewing pins and needles are stored with their heads protruding from the cushion in order to make it easier to keep them organized. The Pincushion Flower, also commonly known as Scabiosa, has pin-like stamens which resemble needles sticking out of a pincushion.
While it is related to Honeysuckle this plant was traditionally grown as an herb. The name Scabiosa was derived from the use of the plant to treat scabies which is an illness that causes patients to develop a rash and a severe itching sensation along with it. Today it is used as an edging to a flower bed or even in a container. You can often find the plant at your local garden center but it is relatively easy to grow from seed as well. Even perennial varieties of the plant will usually flower in the first season they are planted.
There are both annual and perennial variations of Scabiosa. The annual type must be planted each year although it sometimes will reseed itself. Its flowers are smaller than its perennial cousins but they do offer a wider array of colors including shades of maroon, blue, pink and white. Perennial varieties of the plant typically come in blue or white. They start blooming in the late spring and will flower up to frost if the spent flowers are removed. It also retains its gray to blue-green foliage all year round.
Scabiosa grows best in garden zones 5 through 8 as it does not do well in hot, humid weather. If you are trying to grow this plant in warmer garden zones it will need some afternoon shade to protect it from the intensity of the sun. It also prefers soil that drains well as too much moisture, particularly during the winter, will kill the plant. During periods of drought it will need to be watered once or twice a week but otherwise, no supplemental watering is required. They also dislike the cold so some form of mulch or protection is required to help the plant survive the winter. They require no fertilizer and need a nice sunny spot to reach their full potential.
An additional benefit of the plant is that its flowers are rich in nectar. This will attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to your garden. It typically is not bothered by insects or diseases and is deer resistant as well. If you are looking for a unique flower to add to your garden than Scabiosa may be just what you are looking for.
Photo Courtesy of Jill Mazur.
