2 named cultivars

perennial

Pincushion Flower

The Story

Plant Bio

Scabiosa caucasica, the pincushion flower, is a clump-forming perennial from the Caucasus, standing eighteen inches to two feet high on wiry stems. Flat lavender-blue flower heads, occasionally white, are held well clear of a low mound of grey-green divided leaves, and the projecting stamens give the pincushion effect. It flowers from May into July.

Drainage decides whether this plant lives, and winter wet kills far more of them than cold does. Plant it on a slope or in gritty soil with a neutral pH, avoid mulching over the crown, and deadhead regularly, which keeps the flowering season going well past the stated window.

Uses & Benefits:

Flat lavender-blue pincushions on wiry stems, held clear above neat grey-green foliage.

An excellent long-stemmed cut flower, and drought-tolerant once established.

The open, flat flower heads are among the easiest for butterflies and bees to work.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

14 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Caucasus

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in full sun.
Choose light, sharply drained soil of neutral pH.
Avoid low spots where winter water collects.
Water moderately; established plants tolerate drought.
Deadhead continuously to extend flowering.
Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous.

Pro Tip

Keep mulch off the crown; a wet collar through winter is the single commonest way this plant is lost.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it sharp drainage and full sun ☀️
Deadhead continuously through the season ✂️
Divide clumps every few years 🌱
Cut it for the vase; it lasts well 💐

Don't

Plant it in heavy or winter-wet soil ❌
Mulch over the crown ❌
Let it sit in shade ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage garden and mixed border plantingCutting garden rowButterfly and pollinator border

Companion Plants

Catmint Coneflower Yarrow SalviaLavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pincushion Flower questions

What zones can Pincushion Flower grow in?

Pincushion Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pincushion Flower deer resistant?

Yes — Pincushion Flower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pincushion Flower bloom?

Pincushion Flower typically blooms in late spring to midsummer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pincushion Flower need full sun?

Pincushion Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pincushion Flower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pincushion Flower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.