Scientific Name: Scabiosa stellata

Height: The Pincushion scabiosa plant can grow up to a height of 91-122 cm (36-48 inches) . This makes it an ideal choice for adding texture and height to garden beds or borders.

Days to Maturity: This hardy annual typically takes around 90 to 100 days from the time of sowing to reach maturity. Gardeners should keep this in mind when planning their growing season and succession planting.

Sun Preference:  scabiosa requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is essential that this plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Partial shade may result in reduced flower production and overall growth.

Plant Type:  hardy annual, These plants are well-suited for cooler climates and can even survive light frosts, making them a popular choice for early spring and late autumn gardening.

Appearance : The flower has a velvety, fluffy centre with stamens that resemble tiny white pinheads sunken into the flower. The ends of the stamens give it the appearance of a pincushion, hence the name. The flower heads are flat and come in various colours such as purple, pink, maroon, lavender, blue, and white depending on the variety. The wiry stems add to its charm and make it an attractive addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

Harvesting Harvest when the flowers are just starting to open

Vaselife: The vase life of Scabiosa flowers is 7 – 10 days

Special features: The name "Scabiosa" comes from the Latin word "scabies," meaning "itch," referring to its historical use in treating skin conditions. In the language of flowers, Scabiosa symbolizes purity, peace, and freedom. Historically, Scabiosa has been used in herbal medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, although modern usage is limited.

Design features: I love using Scabiosa in wearables for their durability and long lasting quality. The are also a lovely supporting flower.