Pincushion Flower Scabiosa caucasica
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Pincushion Flower displays a striking appearance with its abundant and delicate blooms. Each flower head is a tight cluster of tiny flowers, and it's from this clustered form that it gets its resemblance to a pincushion. Often seen in shades of blue, lavender, or sometimes white, the flowers are perched atop slender stems that sway gently with the breeze. The petals radiate around the center in a manner similar to a ruffled skirt, giving it a whimsical and soft look. The leaves of the Pincushion Flower are lance-shaped, with a grayish-green hue, helping to set off the brighter colors of the blooms. They form a rosette at the base of the stem, which can be quite lush and full, giving a lovely green backdrop to the vivid flowers that rise above them. The overall impression of the Pincushion Flower is one of grace and delicate beauty, with an airy quality that can add a touch of whimsy to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Caucasian Pincushion Flower, Caucasian Scabious, Pincushion Flower
Common names
Scabiosa caucasica, Sixalix atropurpurea, Scabiosa atropurpurea f. caucasica, Scabiosa atropurpurea var. caucasica.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasica) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of this plant. Hence, there are no specific symptoms associated with its toxicity because it is not known to be poisonous. However, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
The pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasica) is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. There is a lack of evidence indicating that this plant causes poisoning in domestic animals. Therefore, no specific symptoms of toxicity are generally associated with pets ingesting this plant. Nonetheless, as with humans, pets can have individual sensitivities, and it is prudent to prevent them from consuming non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Scabiosa caucasica is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, promoting pollination of surrounding plants.
- Ornamental Value: With its beautiful lavender to blue flowers, it adds aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season that can last from late spring to early fall, providing consistent color and interest in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and in areas with water restrictions.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers are excellent for cutting and arranging in bouquets, holding up well in vases.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and habitat for wildlife, including butterflies and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of the area.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care and being adaptable to various soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Deer Resistant: Typically resistant to browsing by deer, which is beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Border and Bed Plant: Its mounded growth and attractive flowers make it ideal for use in borders and flowerbeds.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other perennials and can help mask the dying foliage of spring bulbs as it comes into bloom.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Scabiosa caucasica may contain compounds that have the potential to reduce inflammation.
- Diuretic: There are some indications that the plant may act as a diuretic, promoting the excretion of urine.
- Astringent: The plant may have astringent properties, which can help to contract skin cells and other body tissues.
- Expectorant: It might be used to help in expelling mucus from the throat or lungs.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pincushion flower can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics. Different parts of the plant produce various shades of color.
- The delicate flowers of Pincushion flower can be crystallized and used as an edible decoration for cakes and pastries.
- They are often used in butterfly gardens as they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms.
- Pincushion flower can be planted in mass to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to their extensive root system.
- The dried seed heads can be used in floral arrangements, adding a unique texture long after the blooming season is over.
- The flowers can serve as a natural pest deterrent in the garden, repelling certain insects with their fragrance.
- Pincushion flower is used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation, due to its drought tolerance.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens, where its varied textures provide a tactile experience for visitors.
- Pincushion flower foliage can be used in compost piles, contributing to a balanced mix for healthy compost production.
- Their long blooming season makes them excellent choices for succession planting, ensuring continuous color in a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pincushion Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pincushion Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love â Scabiosa caucasica, commonly known as the pincushion flower, is often associated with love due to its delicate, yet vibrant blooms that are reminiscent of a heartfelt embrace.
- Admiration â The intricate details and unique shape of the pincushion flower can symbolize deep admiration towards someone's complexities and uniqueness.
- Purity â With its often light and pastel colors, the pincushion flower can symbolize purity, conveying a sense of innocence and clean beauty.
- Peaceful Transition â Because of its soft appearance and the way it sways gently in the breeze, it can represent a peaceful transition, which has sometimes linked it to themes of the afterlife or the soothing of troubled emotions.
WaterPincushion Flower prefers consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water it twice a week. Provide approximately one to two gallons of water each time to ensure the soil is moistened thoroughly but avoid waterlogging. Reduce the watering frequency to every other week during cooler months when the plant is not actively growing. Always use a gentle watering method, such as a rain wand or soaker hose, to avoid damaging the delicate foliage and flowers.
LightPincushion Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you live in a very hot climate, provide afternoon shade to prevent the foliage from scorching. The ideal spot for this plant would be an east or west-facing garden that gets sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.
TemperaturePincushion Flower is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about 30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the plant in areas where temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as this could damage the plant's roots and foliage.
PruningPrune Pincushion Flower to remove spent blooms and encourage a second flush of flowers. This deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground to promote healthy new growth. The best time for heavy pruning is in the spring after the last frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPincushion flower thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can create optimal conditions for healthy growth.
RepottingPincushion flowers do not require frequent repotting; repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container is sufficient to maintain its health.
Humidity & MistingPincushion flowers prefer a moderate humidity level, but they are quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry air found in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pincushion flowers in bright light, away from draughts.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleScabiosa caucasica, commonly known as Caucasian pincushion flower, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in soil, ideally after the last frost for proper germination. Seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of basal leaves before developing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it develops upright flowering stems that bear the distinctive pincushion-like flowers, which can be shades of blue, lavender, or white, blooming from late spring to early autumn. After pollination, primarily by bees and butterflies, the flowers produce seed heads that can be deadheaded to encourage further blooming or left to disperse seeds for the next generation. Once the growing season concludes, Scabiosa caucasica's above-ground parts die back, and the plant enters dormancy, especially in climates with cold winters. In suitable conditions, these perennials will re-emerge from the rootstock the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Pincushion flower (Scabiosa caucasica) is through seed sowing. This is typically done in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures have warmed adequately for seed germination. Ideally, seeds should be sown in a light, well-draining seed starting mix, placed on the surface and lightly pressed into the soil as they require light to germinate. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and in a position with plenty of indirect light. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors into their final positions, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for mature growth, generally about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart.
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