Caucasian Pincushion Flower Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' commonly known as pincushion flower is a showy perennial that is widely admired for its ornamental qualities. The plant produces a profusion of large, frilly flowers that are reminiscent of a pincushion filled with pins, which is where the common name originates. Each flower is a delightful mix of soft lavender to icy blue petals which radiantly fan out from a central domed cushion. The petals are delicate and have a refined, almost ruffled appearance, contributing to the overall elegance of the bloom. Much like an intricately sewn pattern, the central cushion of the flower has an intricate network of tiny stamens that appear like fine threads. These stamens add a contrasting darker hue, typically a brownish or dark purple, which enhances the textural interest of the plant. The flowers stand atop long, slender stems which are nestled among a backdrop of deep green foliage. The leaves of the pincushion flower are lance-shaped, their edges softly serrated, and the leaves along the stem are arranged in an opposite fashion. This perennial is known for its extended blooming period, showcasing its beautiful flowers from early summer through the end of the growing season, offering visual interest throughout these months. The pincushion flower is not only a garden favorite for its visual appeal but is also a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support local ecosystems and add vibrant life to their planting spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Caucasian Pincushion Flower, Caucasian Scabious, Miss Willmott's Scabious, Large Scabious, Pincushion Flower.
- Common names
  Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Pincushion flower is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning from ingestion of Pincushion flower, and it is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any plant unless it is known to be edible, as individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur.
- To pets
  Pincushion flower is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning in pets from ingestion of Pincushion flower. It is typically considered a safe plant around pets, but as with humans, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not classified as pet-safe food, due to potential for individual allergic reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Caucasus

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Ornamental appeal: With its attractive, frilly flowers, this pincushion flower adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening.
- Cut flower use: The blossoms of pincushion flower make excellent cut flowers, lasting well in vases and floral arrangements.
- Easy propagation: This plant can be readily propagated by seed or division, allowing gardeners to easily increase their stock.
- Long blooming period: The flowering season for pincushion flower extends through the summer, providing a long display of color.
- Low maintenance: Pincushion flower is generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Cold hardiness: Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Deer resistance: This plant is relatively deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Insect Attractant: Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' can be used in a garden to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can aid in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers of the pincushion flower are commonly used in floral arrangements for their unique shape and long-lasting nature when cut.
- Dye Production: Although not commonly known, the petals of the pincushion flower can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Photography Subject: Due to their intricate details and attractive blooms, these flowers are often used as subjects for botanical photography.
- Garden Design: Pincushion flowers are frequently used by landscape architects and garden designers for their texture and color to enhance garden aesthetics.
- Educational Purposes: Botany students and researchers could use the plant to study pollinator interactions or for educational demonstrations in a classroom setting.
- Companion Planting: The plant can be used in companion planting strategies to support and enhance the growth and health of nearby plants.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may choose to use pincushion flowers as a muse for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs due to their distinct appearance.
- Theme Gardens: Pincushion flowers are often included in 'cottage-garden' or 'Victorian-style' themed gardens as a classic element reflecting the era's horticultural preferences.
- Symbolism: The plant can be integrated into gardens or used in bouquets to symbolize adversity, owing to its ability to thrive in difficult conditions.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Pincushion Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Pincushion Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Attraction: Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flowers, symbolize attraction due to their unique pin-like stamens that seem to draw in people and insects alike.
- Admiration: The intricate details and delicate petals of the Scabiosa 'Miss Willmott' often represent admiration for the finer and more nuanced aspects of life or qualities in a person.
- Love: Like many flowers, Scabiosa can denote love, and the variety 'Miss Willmott' with its beautiful blooms might be given to express a romantic or platonic love.
- Pure Heart: The clear, bright colors of the 'Miss Willmott' hint at purity and a clear conscience, suggesting a pure-hearted nature in symbolism.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Pincushion flower, commonly known as Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root zone is moistened, ideally early in the morning to minimize evaporation. The frequency of watering should be adjusted based on weather conditions, but typically it requires watering once a week, with about one to two gallons per plant each time, depending on the soil's ability to retain moisture and the plant's established nature. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Overhead watering should be avoided to reduce the risk of foliar diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant.
Light
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' thrives best in full sun. This means a location where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. When planted in an area with too much shade, the Pincushion flower may become leggy and produce fewer blooms. The ideal spot for planting would be in a garden bed that is exposed to full sun from morning to late afternoon.
Temperature
Pincushion flowers prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging ideally between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 30°F but cannot withstand prolonged periods of frost or freezing conditions. Always ensure they are protected from extreme temperatures, with the maximum survivable temperature around 85°F to 90°F for optimal growth and bloom.
Pruning
Pruning the Pincushion flower encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the foliage by one-third in late summer to revitalize the plant and encourage a flush of new growth and blooms. The best time for pruning is after the main flowering burst, typically in late spring or early summer.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott') prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite for drainage. Ensure the soil remains moderately fertile and not overly rich, as too much nitrogen can inhibit flowering.
Repotting
Pincushion Flowers generally do not need frequent repotting. Repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient unless the plant outgrows its container or the soil becomes compacted or exhausted. It is best done in the spring before the active growth period.
Humidity & Misting
Pincushion Flower requires moderate humidity conditions. It is adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels found in most outdoor garden environments without needing specific adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light; water regularly.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott', commonly known as Caucasian Pincushion or Miss Willmott's Pincushion, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in early spring, given adequate moisture and temperature conditions. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves, with a taproot developing to anchor the plant and assist in nutrient uptake. With sufficient sunlight and nutrients, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, producing more leaves and stems, and preparing to flower. Flowering typically occurs in summer, presenting lavender to white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators critical for fertilization. After pollination, the plant develops seeds in the center of the spent blooms, which are then either dispersed by wind or collected by gardeners for propagation. Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott' is a perennial plant, so after it sets seed, it enters a period of dormancy in winter before restarting the cycle with new growth in the next spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Scabiosa caucasica 'Miss Willmott', commonly known as Giant Scabious or Caucasian Pincushion Flower, can be propagated most successfully by seed. To propagate by seed, sow in late winter to early spring, just barely covering the seeds with soil. The ideal temperature for germination is around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). It's generally recommended to start the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Ensure the soil remains slightly moist but well-drained. Seedlings usually emerge in 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. This allows the plants to become well established during the growing season.