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Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 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 wirey stems which hover over the short mound of ferny basal foliage. They make excellent cut flowers and also attract butterflies.

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  12-18 Inches
Spread:
  15 Inches
Flower Color:
  Blue shades
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
  Attracts butterflies
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Late spring
  Early summer
  Midsummer
  Late summer
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
  Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Mass Planting

Awards:

  Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year 2000

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

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.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Alchemilla mollis
Common Name: Lady's Mantle
3,4,5,6,7
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Dianthus 'Neon Star' PP14549 CPBR2751
Common Name: Pinks
5,6,7,8,9
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Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Common Name: Daylily
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Campanula persicifolia 'La Belle'
Common Name: Bellflower--Peach-leaved
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Common Name: Geranium-Hardy
4,5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.