Pincushion flower (Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue')
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' offers long-blooming, lavender-blue Pincushion flowers. A low-maintenance perennial perfect for borders in USDA Zones 5-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’, commonly recognized as the Pincushion flower, is highly valued for its exceptionally long bloom season, providing continuous color from spring until the first hard frost. This compact, clump-forming perennial creates a soft, airy texture in garden beds, featuring unique lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Gardeners appreciate Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ for its robust nature and low demands, making it a reliable performer even through periods of summer heat or mild drought.
The distinctive flowers of this Scabiosa variety are visually interesting, boasting an outer ring of broad, frilly petals surrounding a pale, domed center reminiscent of pins in a cushion—hence the common name. Growing only 1 to 1.5 feet tall, the stiff stems hold blooms well above the finely cut, grayish-green basal foliage. Its dependability and extended flowering make the Pincushion flower an essential component for bright, engaging perennial borders.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to frost
- Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to establish Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is during the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Plant these Pincushion flowers where they receive full sun for the best performance, although they can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in very hot southern climates. Successful cultivation hinges on well-drained soil; this plant is intolerant of wet feet, particularly during dormancy in winter. Aim for average soil conditions with a neutral pH.
Water needs are medium; ensure consistent moisture while establishing the plant, but once mature, the Pincushion flower exhibits good drought tolerance. Minimal fertilization is usually required if the soil is adequate. The key to continuous flowering for Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is diligent deadheading. Regularly remove spent flowers throughout the season to encourage the production of new bloom stalks.
Avoid planting this variety in heavy clay or soggy locations, as poor drainage is the primary threat to its overwintering success. In cooler zones, standard perennial cleanup in early spring is sufficient. Throughout the growing season, observe for potential minor pests like aphids, but fungicide treatment should only be necessary if air circulation is poor, leading to powdery mildew.
Landscape Uses
The dwarfing habit combined with the lengthy bloom period makes Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ an excellent choice for fronting perennial borders where its fine texture can blend seamlessly with broad-leaved companions. It is equally useful when massed in drifts to create sweeping pools of lavender-blue color throughout the garden design. Its contained size ensures it won’t overwhelm smaller areas, making it suitable for edging pathways or defining the edges of rock gardens.
For effective companion planting, consider pairing the blue tones of Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ with contrasting colors like warmer yellows or whites. The planting guide specifically recommends combining it with the pink-flowered companion plant Scabiosa ‘Pink Mist’ for complementary texture and color harmony. Its ability to withstand drought once established also pairs it well with other low-water, sun-loving perennials.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Scabiosa, commonly called pincushion flower, is a genus of about 80 species of annuals, biennials and perennials primarily from the Mediterranean region but also from other parts of Europe, the Caucasus, Africa, Asia and Japan. ‘Butterfly Blue’ is a compact, clump-forming perennial which typically grows only 12-15” tall, offering long and profuse bloom from late April until frost. Flowers feature an outer ring of frilly, flat, lavender-blue petals and a paler domed center cushion with protruding stamens.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
The magnificent performance of Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ generally comes with few major challenges regarding pests or disease, provided cultural needs are met. The absolute most critical factor for thriving is excellent drainage; soggy winter soil is detrimental to its long-term health. Monitor for common soft-bodied pests such as aphids and whiteflies, which can usually be managed with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap.
If air circulation is poor, especially in humid conditions, powdery mildew may occasionally develop on the foliage of the Pincushion flower. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow. Generally, Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ remains an exceptionally resilient specimen if sited correctly in a sunny, well-drained spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pincushion flower suitable for?
Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ grow?
This compact perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet and spreads about 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
When does Pincushion flower bloom?
The beautiful flowering period for Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ extends from April all the way to frost, featuring lavender-blue blooms.
What sun exposure does Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ need?
For the longest and best flowering performance, this plant requires full sun exposure.
Conclusion
The Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ Pincushion flower delivers outstanding garden value through its continuous display of unique, lavender-blue blooms and its relatively low maintenance requirements. Its deer and drought tolerance make it a reliable performer throughout the growing season in USDA Zones 5-9. Plan your spring planting carefully, ensuring the chosen site offers the excellent drainage this perennial requires for success.
Companion Planting
When integrating Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ into a mixed border, selecting companions with similar cultural needs—full sun and medium water—will simplify care. Plants with contrasting foliage shapes, such as the broad leaves of Hosta (in areas with sufficient afternoon shade) or the grassy upright blades of Ornamental Grasses, provide excellent textural contrast to the delicate, finely cut foliage of the Pincushion flower.
Silver foliage companions, such as Artemisia or Dusty Miller, beautifully complement the cool lavender-blue hue of the Scabiosa blossoms. Since this plant blooms so heavily, consider pairing it near early-season bloomers like Bearded Iris or Peony that will transition out of flower as the Scabiosa really hits its stride in mid-summer.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation involves cutting back old, dead foliage to make way for new growth of the Pincushion flower. As temperatures warm, begin regular irrigation if rainfall is scarce, maintaining medium moisture levels. Throughout summer, vigilant deadheading of Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is your primary maintenance task to ensure continuous flowering until autumn.
In the fall, once the plant has finished blooming, cut stems back by about one-third. In colder zones (5 and 6), applying a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes will help protect the root crown over winter. Avoid heavy feeding at any time; spring fertilization should be minimal, as excess nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of the desired flowers.
