Pincushion flower (Scabiosa 'Vivid Violet')
Scabiosa 'Vivid Violet' offers stunning violet blue blooms from June to September. This low-maintenance Pincushion flower thrives in full sun.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’, often recognized as the Pincushion flower, is a treasured herbaceous perennial known for its distinctive, deep violet-blue blooms that resemble pins clustered in a cushion. This cultivar provides long-lasting color in the garden, extending its flowering period from early summer well into autumn. Its tidy, mounding habit makes it an excellent structural plant in mixed borders.
Valued for its low maintenance demands and striking aesthetic, Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ quickly becomes a garden favorite. It grows compactly, typically reaching 1 to 1.5 feet tall, perfect for providing texture without overwhelming surrounding plants. Gardeners especially appreciate that this Pincushion flower generally resists serious pest issues, provided its critical drainage needs are met.
While it performs best in cooler summer climates, the reliable bloom time of Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ and its resistance to browsing by deer make it a pragmatic choice for many gardeners. Incorporating this perennial ensures reliable, rich color and adds that characteristic pincushion texture beloved in both formal and cottage garden settings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Violet blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The absolute key to successfully growing Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ is excellent drainage. Plant during the spring in a location receiving full sun. This species requires light, well-drained soils with a neutral pH. Plants are highly prone to rot, particularly in poorly drained or overly wet spots, so amend heavy soils thoroughly before planting.
Water needs are medium; allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings. Avoid persistent overhead watering, which can exacerbate fungal issues. Fertilization is rarely necessary; focus instead on soil quality rather than chemical inputs. Deadheading spent flowers is highly recommended to promote continuous blooming, though note that ‘Vivid Violet’ does not produce viable seed.
In colder zones (Zone 3-5), providing a light mulch over the crown after the ground freezes offers winter protection from extreme cold and unwanted moisture. This protection is crucial as the plant is intolerant of wet soils in winter. If the plant struggles in humidity or extreme summer heat, consider planting it in a spot that receives a little afternoon shade, although performance peaks in cool summer regions like the Pacific Northwest.
Landscape Uses
Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ excels in repeated textural displays throughout the growing season. Because of its manageable size, it is perfect for planting in small groups or mass plantings to create vibrant ribbons of violet blue color. This Pincushion flower is an outstanding choice for defining the front edge of mixed perennial borders or infusing casual charm into cottage gardens.
The unique flower structure of the Pincushion flower also makes it perfect for utilizing in containers, either as a primary feature or mingled among upright thriller plants. Furthermore, the blooms cut cleanly from the sturdy stems, making Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ a welcome addition to cutting gardens intended for fresh summer bouquets.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Scabiosa, commonly called pincushion flower, is known for its unique floral structure where the center cushions feature protruding stamens resembling pins. ‘Vivid Violet’ is a perennial variety creating a low mound of gray-green foliage, topped by large deep violet blue flowers that bloom from late spring through late summer. The genus name is derived from the Latin scabies, referencing the plant’s historical use in treating itch.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ generally enjoys good health regarding pests and diseases. The most significant cultural problem stems from poor drainage; saturated or soggy soil is fatal, often leading to crown rot. Ensure soils drain freely at all times.
While hardy, watch for sporadic minor infestations of aphids or whiteflies. Powdery mildew can occasionally appear, although this specific cultivar reportedly exhibits good resistance. Prevention centers on ensuring adequate air circulation by not overcrowding plants and avoiding overhead watering suited to keep foliage dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pincushion flower suitable for?
Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 7.
How large does Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, with a similar spread of 1 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ need?
For best flowering performance, Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ requires full sun exposure.
When does Pincushion flower bloom?
This variety blooms consistently from June to September, displaying beautiful violet blue flowers.
Conclusion
The reliable flowering period and striking violet blue color ensure Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ brings season-long interest to the landscape. As a relatively low-maintenance Pincushion flower, its critical requirement is perfect drainage, especially during wet winters. Check your garden’s soil structure now and plan to incorporate this elegant perennial before the next planting season begins.
Companion Planting
Selecting neighbors that also prefer full sun and good drainage will help maintain the ideal environment for Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’. Consider lighter colored companions to make the deep violet blue of the flowers pop, such as white or pale yellow Achillea (Yarrow) or silvery foliage plants like Stachys byzantina. Plants that are tolerant of drier summer conditions, despite the medium water needs of this Pincushion flower, will also thrive alongside it.
Design Integration for Cottage Gardens
The informal elegance of Scabiosa ‘Vivid Violet’ secures its spot in classic cottage garden designs. Plant it alongside traditional favorites like Foxglove or tall Salvia to vary the vertical structure. Due to its moderate height, it functions beautifully in the middle layer of a tiered border, allowing shorter groundcovers in the front and taller architectural plants behind it. The gray-green foliage of the Pincushion flower provides a soft contrast to brighter greens.
