Drumstick Scabiosa Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick'

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
scabious 'Drumstick'

ABOUT

The Drumstick Scabiosa features a striking appearance with its unique globe-shaped flower heads that have a pincushion-like structure. Each bloom is composed of tiny flowers tightly packed together, giving the overall impression of a drumstick, hence its charming common name. The flowers predominantly exhibit shades of soft green to bluish-green when they first appear, and as they mature, they transition to muted browns, adding a rustic antique look to the plant. These charming balls of flowers rest atop slender stems that rise elegantly above the rosette of foliage at the base. The foliage itself is attractive, with leaves that are green, sometimes showing grayish undertones, and are composed of numerous small, deeply cut leaflets, creating a lacy texture. Overall, the Drumstick Scabiosa is known for its whimsical floral spheres and delicate foliage, which adds texture and interest to gardens or as a component in dried floral arrangements.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Caprifoliaceae

    • Synonyms

      Drumsticks, Starflower Pincushions, Paper Moon Scabious

    • Common names

      Sixalix atropurpurea, Scabiosa atropurpurea, Lomelosia stellata.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Drumstick, scientifically known as Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick', does not have a well-documented profile regarding its toxicity to humans. The available information does not suggest that this plant is highly toxic to people. However, since definitive information on its toxicity is lacking, it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant. If any part of the plant is ingested, watch for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention as a precaution.

    • To pets

      The toxicity of Drumstick (Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick') to pets is not clearly established in widely available resources. It is not typically listed among plants that are known to be toxic to pets. Nonetheless, due to the lack of specific information, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If a pet does consume any part of the Drumstick, monitor the animal for any signs of distress and consult a veterinarian if any adverse symptoms develop.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Annuals

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Blue

    • Height

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Spread

      1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      5

    • Native area

      Mediterranean

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attracts Pollinators: Scabiosa Drumstick provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
    • Ornamental Appeal: With its distinctive globe-shaped flower heads, Scabiosa Drumstick adds visual interest and aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Scabiosa Drumstick is quite drought-tolerant, making it ideal for water-wise gardens and dry climates.
    • Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it a valuable addition for gardeners seeking low-effort but high-impact plants.
    • Cut Flower Use: Its unique blooms make Scabiosa Drumstick a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and bouquets, providing market value.
    • Long Blooming Season: The plant flowers for an extended period from late spring to early autumn, offering sustained enjoyment in the garden.
    • Versatile Planting Options: Scabiosa Drumstick can be used in various garden settings such as borders, rockeries, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
    • Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract and support wildlife, playing a role in creating a habitat for various creatures within eco-friendly gardening practices.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' dried seed heads can be used in flower arrangements for an interesting textural contrast to other botanical elements due to their unique rounded shape and complex structure.
    • The stems of Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' can be woven or integrated into decorative wreaths or wall hangings for rustic or boho-chic home decor.
    • The distinctive seed heads can be used in crafting, for instance, as natural beads or buttons when dried, providing an earthy, organic touch to handmade clothing or accessories.
    • Plant enthusiasts may use the faded flowers of Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' to produce natural dyes for fabrics, giving them a unique and potentially unexpected coloration.
    • As an educational tool, the plant can be included in botanical studies or nature-based educational programs to demonstrate the life cycle of flowering plants from bloom to seed head.
    • The seeds of Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' can be collected and shared or swapped among gardeners, continuing the tradition of heirloom seed saving and promoting plant diversity.
    • The intricate seed heads of Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' can inspire artists and designers, serving as models for sculptural works or patterns in artwork and design projects.
    • During autumn and winter, the sturdy stems and seed heads can be used to provide structural support in the garden for surrounding plants that may otherwise collapse under the weight of snow or heavy rains.
    • Gardeners may utilize the varying bloom times of Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' alongside other plants to create a succession of visual interests throughout the growing season in their garden designs.
    • For those interested in nature photography, Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick' provides a striking subject due to its spherical seed heads and unique silhouette against different lighting conditions.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The plant Drumstick is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Drumstick is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Love and Admiration: Scabiosa, often called "pincushion flowers," represent love and are frequently included in wedding bouquets to symbolize the couple's deep admiration for each other.
    • Unfortunate Love: Historically, some varieties of scabiosa were associated with unlucky love or widowhood, perhaps because of their pin-like stamens that resemble pincushions used for storing pins, which could be perceived as objects of mourning.
    • Purity and Peace: The delicate and soft appearance of Scabiosa blooms can symbolize purity, peace, and tranquility, offering a sense of calm when gifted or displayed.
    • Attraction: With its round, intricate blooms, Scabiosa can also be used to symbolize attraction, drawing in affection and attention like the butterflies it attracts in the garden.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring to Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Drumstick Scabiosa should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots, approximately once a week during active growth periods. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, it's more about the consistency of the soil moisture than an exact measurement of water, but typically around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant per week is adequate, adjusting for particularly hot or dry conditions where additional watering may be necessary. Watering in the morning is preferable to allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent fungal diseases.

  • sunLight

    Drumstick Scabiosa thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal location for this plant would be a sunny border or an open area that is not shaded by taller plants or structures. However, it is recommended to provide some light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent scorching.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The Drumstick Scabiosa prefers temperate conditions and can generally handle temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a hardy plant that can survive a frost, but extreme cold or heat can damage or kill the plant. An ideal temperature range for optimal growth would be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Drumstick Scabiosa is important to encourage bushier growth and enhance flowering. It should be done after the main flowering period, usually late summer or early fall. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will promote continued blooming throughout the season. General tidying of dead or diseased foliage is also beneficial and should be done as necessary to maintain plant health.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Drumstick Scabiosa thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good mix could be three parts garden soil, two parts compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. This combination will support the plant's need for nutrient-rich, yet well-drained conditions.

  • plantRepotting

    Drumstick Scabiosa should be repotted every 1 to 2 years or when the plant seems root-bound. This practice encourages fresh growth and plant vigor. The best time to repot is during the spring, just as the growing season begins.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Drumstick Scabiosa prefers average room humidity conditions; excessive humidity can lead to fungal problems. An ideal range would be 40-60%. However, this plant is relatively adaptable and does not require any special humidity adjustments in most indoor environments.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place Drumstick Scabiosa in bright, indirect light indoors.

    • Outdoor

      Plant Drumstick Scabiosa in full sun to partial shade outdoors.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick', commonly known as Drumstick Scabious, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil, usually after the threat of frost has passed. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive spherical flower heads composed of numerous tiny florets, generally during late spring or early summer. After pollination by insects, these flowers will set seed. The seed heads mature and dry on the plant, turning into attractive brown globes which are often used in dried flower arrangements. The plant completes its cycle by dying back at the end of the growing season, dropping seeds for the next generation if not deadheaded, or it may persist as a short-lived perennial in some climates.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring to Summer

    • Scabiosa stellata 'Drumstick', commonly known as the Drumstick Scabious, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate, seeds should be scattered over well-draining soil and lightly covered with a dusting of earth, as they require light to germinate effectively. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is essential. Germination usually takes place within two to three weeks at a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final positions in the garden. This method is favored for its straightforwardness and the high success rate in producing true-to-type plants.