Grow: scabiosa

With charming pincushion blooms and plenty of nectar for garden visitors, scabiosa is a hardworking flower worth growing.

Add delicate beauty and pollinator power to your garden with scabiosa. Learn how to grow these charming pincushion flowers from seed and enjoy blooms from summer to autumn.

Scabiosa

Scabiosa spp.

Climate: tropical, subtropical, arid/semi-arid, warm temperate, cold temperate
Height: 60–90cm
Width: 20–40cm
Part sun/full sun
Blooms: 90–100 days from seed

Big, bold flowers may often steal the spotlight in flower bouquets, but it’s the supporting actors that make them shine. One of these is scabiosa (or pincushion) flowers – its name comes from its historical use as a herbal remedy for relieving the itchiness of scabies. The small, round-shaped flowerheads with flat tops provide a comfortable landing pad for butterflies and bees as they feast on their rich nectar and pollen. In temperate climates, sow scabiosa seeds in early spring and be sure to only barely cover the soil as light helps with germination. Transplant into fertile soils once plants are 10cm tall and use stakes to help keep the tall and slender flower stems upright. Plants flower from early summer to autumn. In subtropical areas sow in autumn. Scabiosas can be annuals or short-lived perennials, depending on the variety. My favourites are the annuals ‘Salmon Rose’ and ‘Fata Morgana’, which add a soft, cottage garden feel. For eye-catching seed heads that hold their shape when dried grow ‘Drumstick’. Different varieties flower at different times, so plant a mix to extend the flowering season. If you’re growing perennial varieties, cut plants back to ground level late autumn to rejuvenate them each year.

Pick up Issue 168 of ABC Organic Gardener in stores now to read the full story on growing sweet potato, currants and scabiosa, or subscribe at mymagazines.com.au to get every issue delivered straight to your door.