Product Description
Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Pincushion Flower
This selection produces a profusion of lavender-blue, pincushion-like flowers over a very long period beginning in late spring. They sit atop wiry stems which hover over the short mound of ferny basal foliage. They make excellent cut flowers and also attract butterflies.
Long-blooming 2-inch lavender-blue flowers atop stiff stems over gray-green foliage. The nickname comes from its outer ring of frilly, flat, petals and a paler domed center cushion with protruding stamens, similar to pins in a pincushion. Blooms start in the spring and may continue blooming into autumn.
Scabiosa grows best in average soil and full sun. Good drainage is essential for the health of the plants. Deadheading will promote a longer blooming period. In the fall, cut back any flowering stems to help the plants prepare for winter.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2000
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
Height: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Spread: 15.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Mass Planting
Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is a delightful and long-blooming perennial that adds a touch of airy beauty and soft color to gardens. It is commonly called Pincushion Flower due to the unique appearance of its blooms. Here is a closer look at this charming plant:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Butterfly Blue' produces lovely lavender-blue flowers with a pincushion-like center. The petals are fringed, giving the blooms a delicate and airy look. The flowers are borne on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage.
- Foliage: The plant features finely-cut, gray-green leaves that form a compact, mounded shape. The foliage provides a nice contrast to the soft blue flowers.
- Growth Habit: It has a clump-forming growth habit, typically reaching around 12-18 inches in height and 12-15 inches in spread.
Growing Conditions:
- Hardiness Zones: 'Butterfly Blue' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
- Sunlight: It thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of various soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
- Water: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Care:
- Deadheading: Removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. This simple task will keep your 'Butterfly Blue' scabiosa looking its best and producing more flowers.
- Pruning: In late winter or early spring, you can cut back the plant to ground level to promote bushier growth.
- Fertilizing: Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can help support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the plant during harsh winters.
Benefits:
- Long bloom time: It blooms for an extended period, typically from late spring to fall.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Cut flowers: The long-lasting flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
- Deer resistant: It is generally deer resistant, making it a good option for gardens where deer are a problem.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
Uses:
- Borders: It adds a touch of airy beauty and soft color to garden borders.
- Cottage gardens: Its charming flowers blend well with the informal style of cottage gardens.
- Rock gardens: It is a good choice for rock gardens due to their drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soil.
- Containers: It can also be grown in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios and balconies.
Companion Plants:
- Yarrow (Achillea): The contrasting colors and textures of yarrow and scabiosa create a visually appealing combination.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Daylilies offer a variety of colors and bloom times that complement scabiosa.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): Coneflowers, with their vibrant colors and long bloom times, pair well with scabiosa.
- Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to the garden while complementing the airy form of scabiosa.
Overall, Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of delicate beauty and long-lasting color to your garden. Its ability to attract pollinators, its versatility in various garden settings, and its low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
