Pincushion Flower Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink = 'Balfluttropi' (PBR) (Flutter Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink, commonly known as the pincushion flower, has a distinct and attractive appearance that makes it a favorite among gardeners. It features a lavish bloom of small, rose-pink flowers that are densely packed together, resembling a cushion filled with pins. The delicate petals radiate around a central, domed cushion that is slightly darker in color, giving it depth and dimension. The flowers are perched atop slender, wiry stems, which gives them a light, airy, and somewhat whimsical look as if they are floating above the plant's foliage. The leaves are a soft green and can be either slightly lobed or deeply divided, forming a mounded base of foliage from which the flower stems arise. As the plant blossoms throughout its blooming season, it creates an enchanting display of rosy hues that can attract various pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The overall visual effect of the pincushion flower is that of a gentle, pastel landscape, exuding a sense of calm and beauty.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caprifoliaceae.
- Synonyms
  Pincushion Flower, Small Scabious, Dove Pincushion.
- Common names
  Scabiosa columbaria 'Balfluttropi'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Pincushion Flower is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or significant concerns regarding the ingestion of Pincushion Flower causing poisoning or severe adverse health consequences in humans. That said, it's generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the possibility of allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset.
- To pets
  Pincushion Flower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the plants that are commonly considered poisonous to dogs, cats, or other household pets. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, even if the plant is not specifically toxic. It's always prudent to monitor pets and discourage them from eating ornamental plants.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate plants and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for gardens in arid regions or for gardeners who prefer low-water landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: The Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink has a lengthy blooming season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period of time.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, or spaces where a less sprawling plant is desired.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rockeries, and as a groundcover, due to its adaptable nature.
- Cut Flowers: The blossoms of Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink make excellent cut flowers, adding a delicate touch to floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help to prevent damage in gardens where deer browsing is a problem.
- Colorful Foliage: Besides its attractive pink flowers, the plant also has interesting green foliage that adds texture and contrast even when it's not in bloom.
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
- Educational Tool: Scabiosa columbaria, also known as Pincushion Flower, can be used as a specimen in botanical studies due to its distinctive flower morphology, which can help students learn about pollination and plant structure.
- Art and Craft: The flowers of the Pincushion Flower can be pressed and used in botanical art or for crafting homemade greeting cards and bookmarks, providing a delicate and unique embellishment.
- Photography: With its vibrant pink petals, the Pincushion Flower is a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the delicate beauty of flowers and practice macro photography techniques.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of the Pincushion Flower may be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of pink hues for textile enthusiasts and eco-friendly designers.
- Garden Design: Pincushion Flower can be planted to create a 'living border' in gardens, guiding pathways and separating different garden areas with its aesthetic appeal.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Pincushion Flower can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for celebrations and weddings, reducing environmental impact.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary use, petals of the Pincushion Flower could be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Scent Bags: The petals of the Pincushion Flower, while not the most fragrant, can be added to sachets with other herbs and flowers to create natural scent bags for drawers and closets.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: Due to its unique shape and color, the Pincushion Flower is often used in floral arrangement workshops to teach various techniques and design principles.
- Seed Harvesting: Garden enthusiasts can use the Pincushion Flower for seed harvesting activities, as the plant produces seeds that can be collected for propagation or educational purposes.

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
- Admiration: The delicate and intricate nature of Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flower, often represents deep admiration for the complexities and beauty of someone or something.
- Love and Affection: The Scabiosa's attractive blooms are symbolic of love and affection, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions and gestures.
- Purity: With its soft, pastel colors, the pincushion flower can also symbolize purity and innocence, conveying a sense of simplicity and cleanliness.
- Longevity: The long-lasting nature of Scabiosa flowers often symbolizes a wish for a long and healthy life.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Pincushion flower should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Generally, this plant requires watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Use enough water to soak the top 6 to 8 inches of soil each time you water. In hotter temperatures or if you notice the leaves wilting, increase the frequency. It's best to water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
Light
Pincushion flower thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would be a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in a region with very hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense, direct sunlight.
Temperature
Pincushion flower prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F for short periods. Ensure protection from harsh winter conditions to prevent freezing damage.
Pruning
Pincushion flower should be deadheaded regularly to promote continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning should be done after the main flowering period to encourage a second bloom. Cut back the spent flowers to just above a set of leaves.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Pincushion Flower prefers well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or peat moss, and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Repotting
Pincushion Flowers like 'Balfluttropi' do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & Misting
Pincushion Flowers tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but thrive best in moderate conditions without the need for excessive humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Pincushion flower 'Flutter Rose Pink' begins with seed germination, which occurs in ideal conditions of warmth and moisture and can take several weeks. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into rosettes of foliage, which gradually develop into mature plants with tall stems and deep-lobed leaves. During the flowering stage, which takes place in late spring to early summer, the Pincushion flower produces numerous pink, fluffy flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which disperse seeds for reproduction. The plant may then undergo a period of dormancy in colder climates or less active growth in winter. With proper care, including well-draining soil and full sun exposure, the Pincushion flower can live for several years, undergoing repeated cycles of growth, blooming, and seed production.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for the Scabiosa columbaria Flutter Rose Pink, commonly known as the Pincushion Flower, is by seed. Seeds are best sown in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. They should be scattered lightly onto the surface of a well-draining, soilless seeding mix and gently pressed into the soil for good contact, but not covered, as they require light to germinate. The container with the seeds should be kept at a temperature of about 70°F (21°C) and should remain moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings will often appear within two to three weeks, and they should be thinned or transplanted when large enough to handle, usually when they have several sets of true leaves. Once established, seedlings can be transplanted to their final growing positions where they will bloom and bring beautiful shades of pink to the garden.