Pincushion Flower Guide: How To Plant, Grow Pincushion Flowers, Care Tips

Image Credit: beauty_of_nature (jhenning)⁹

How To Identify Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea)

The Pincushion is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. How can you pick it out of a foliage lineup?

When determining how to identify the Pincushion flower, it helps to focus on the “pins.”

(Leaf Image: Salicyna⁷, Pincushion Flower Image: Hans⁸)

True to its name, this Mediterranean native sprouts round flower heads that resemble colorful pincushions. While small, each flower stands out with its spiky central sphere balanced on a slim, sturdy stem.

The flowers bloom in a variety of vibrant hues that lend compelling pops of color to landscapes. The flowers’ unique shapes and dramatic colors also add visual interest and personality to floral arrangements.

Pincushion Flower Leaves

Pincushion flower leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and deeply cut.

Long, graceful two-foot stems grow basal leaves that are oblong or lyrate with toothed margins. Stem leaves are pinnatifid.

Pincushion Flower Seeds

Pincushion flower seeds stand out in appearance. Typically 1–1.5 inches long and pale brown, they have a black, star-shaped center.

Papery, shuttlecock casings enclose the actual seeds. When ripe, the seeds turn papery brown or black, indicating their readiness for harvest.

Growing a Pincushion Flower From a Seed, Cutting, and Seedling

Thinking of adding Scabiosa to your garden bed? It shouldn’t be too difficult under the right conditions.

But there are a few key things to know about growing a Pincushion flower from a seed, cutting, and seedling.

Pincushions usually start from seeds, though container-grown plants are also a viable option. During the spring, you can either plant seeds indoors or directly in your home garden after frost danger has passed.

If you choose to nurture the plants indoors first, expect seeds to sprout within two weeks. You can then transfer the seedlings to the garden around May, spacing each one 10-12 inches apart.

Pincushions can also grow from cuttings. Easy tip cuttings for new plants can be taken in the summer.

Choose a nice, healthy stem cutting with some leaves. This should root well in a warm, moist, bright environment.

Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted outdoors.

Pincushion Flower Growing Zone

The Pincushion flower growing zone requires climates without extreme heat or cold. The plants thrive in USDA zones 3-7.

They also perform best when grown outside overly wet areas. Pincushions enjoy full sunlight but benefit from afternoon shade in hotter areas.

Pincushion Flower Growth Rate

Best planted in early spring, Scabiosa blooms will grow at a moderate pace. In good conditions, the Pincushion flower growth rate is about 90 to 100 days to full maturity.

Necessary Growing Conditions

If you want to grow Pincushions that thrive, you need specific growing conditions. From light and water to temperature and fertilizer, here’s what it takes to grow hearty, beautiful Scabiosa plants.

Light

Pincushions thrive in full sun exposure (6–8 hours per day), blooming from late spring to the first frost. Their versatility suits flower beds or borders along walkways.

Soil

These plants grow best in neutral to alkaline chalky, well-drained loam. While they like nutrient-rich soil, very damp or heavy clay conditions will lead to root rot.²

Water

Although they have decent drought tolerance, Pincushions need moderate, regular watering. That said, soggy soil will lead to rot, so avoid over-watering, especially during the spring.

Temperature and Humidity

Cooler climates are best for Scabiosa annuals. Perennials, on the other hand, can live on for years with mild winters and moderate heat and humidity below Zone 7.

Fertilizer

Extra feeding isn’t generally needed through mid-season, but 10-20-10 fertilizer can boost flower production. But this isn’t necessary if your soil is nutrient-rich.

Companion Plants For Growing Pincushion Flowers

Scabiosa looks great by itself, but there are some popular companion plants for growing Pincushion flowers that stay healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.

(Image: stilfee⁵)

Pincushions shine en masse for a colorful blanket look. But their diversity also allows pairing beside other short cottage garden plants like alyssum, salvias, sedum, and low rose shrubs.

Scabiosa also looks beautiful in backyard garden alongside columbine, pinks, and similar petite perennials.

How To Stop Pincushion Flower Disease

If you’re wondering how to stop Pincushion flower disease, focus on drainage. Excess moisture and humidity tend to set the stage for problems.

Leaf spot, root rot, or powdery mildew outbreaks indicate that drainage needs improving. In most cases, Pincushion flower disease prevention involves careful site selection and proper soil prep that will ensure long-term health.

Pincushion Flower Facts

When growing plants, it helps to know as much as possible. Here are some key insights into the Scabiosa plant, as well as some tips for promoting optimal growth.

Is the Pincushion a Perennial Flower?

From the perspective of many gardeners, one of the most important Pincushion flower facts centers on whether the flower will re-grow each year. Bear in mind that while annuals complete growth cycles in just one season, perennials live three years or more.

So, is the Pincushion plant a perennial flower? Well, yes and no.

Pincushion grows best yearly in cool areas but can persist as a perennial in warmer climates with mild winters.¹

Other Scabiosa Flowers: From Black Knight To Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flowers

There are several different types of Scabiosa flowers available, most of which differ in color and flower appearance. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Butterfly Blue Pincushion flowers: Lavender-blue tinged, popular for weddings
• Black Knight: Deep burgundy flowers with bright white stamens
• Fama White: Large white blooms favoring cooler weather
• Pink Mist: Feminine pink flowers, near-translucent blooms

Other plants that resemble Pincushions include:

Scabiosa caucasica

Commonly referred to as a Pincushion, Scabiosa caucasica originates in the Caucasus Mountains.

Now officially renamed Lomelosia caucasica,³ the clump-forming perennial reaches 18–24 inches in height and blooms from late May to mid-summer.

(Image: Sonja Kalee (Sonja-Kalee)⁶)

The 2–3 inch flowers appear solo on firm stems. Frilly outer petals surround a cushiony center with protruding stamens, similar to a Pincushion.

Shades range from lavender to blue flowers, and sometimes white. Gray-green leaves may be lance-shaped or lobed along the base and stems.

Pincushion Flower Protea

Commonly referred to as Pincushion flower protea, Leucospermum proteas have cone-like heads of long, tubular blossoms. In some species, stiff, colorful bracts surround the base in a cup shape, filled with a mass of 1-2 inch stamens.

The flowers bloom in dense groups, where they resemble Pincushions or fireworks.

These showy, enduring flowers shine in shades of pink, red, white, cream, and yellow. Bear in mind that the Pincushion flower protea is from the Leucospermum genus, meaning it is not a Scabiosa plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pincushion Flowers