Sweet scabious 'Ace of Spades' Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades'

Water

Pincushion flowers require regular watering to maintain moist but well-drained soil. They should be watered deeply once a week, offering about 1 inch of water each time which translates to about 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant. During hot and dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, as Pincushion flowers are sensitive to waterlogged conditions.

Light

Pincushion flowers thrive in full sun to light shade. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms. When grown in partial shade, ensure it still gets ample morning light or filtered afternoon sun for optimal growth.

Temperature

Pincushion flowers prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range between 40°F to 85°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7, meaning they can survive winters where temperatures do not typically drop below -40°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for Pincushion flowers is between 60°F and 75°F where they produce the best blooms and foliage.

Pruning

Pruning Pincushion flowers encourages reblooming and maintains plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous bloom throughout the season. In early spring or after the last frost, cut back any dead or damaged stems to maintain a tidy appearance and stimulate new growth. The best time to perform more substantial pruning is in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Pincushion Flower prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter; a blend of one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5, for optimal growth.

Repotting

The Pincushion Flower does not need frequent repotting; repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound. Spring is the best time for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Pincushion Flower thrives in moderate humidity levels but does not require high humidity; average room humidity is generally suitable for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Pincushion Flower needs bright light and well-draining soil indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to part shade and well-draining soil outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  4-10 USDA

Life cycle

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades', commonly known as the Pincushion Flower, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring after the last frost or in autumn in warmer climates. The seeds germinate, developing into seedlings with a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it forms a larger clump with deeply lobed leaves and erect stems. From early summer to fall, the plant produces distinctive pincushion-like flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, seed heads form, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-seed, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Over the winter, plants may die back, especially in colder climates, but will regrow from rootstock or self-sown seeds the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-summer

• Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Ace of Spades', commonly known as the pincushion flower, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, just before the last frost date, to give the plants a head start, or they can be sown directly into the ground after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds should be only lightly covered with soil as they require light for germination, usually taking 2 to 3 weeks at 70°F (around 21°C). Ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged is key to successful seed germination. Once seedlings have emerged and are large enough to handle, they should be thinned out or transplanted to allow adequate space for growth.