University
of Vermont Extension
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Perennial of the Month - January 2000
Scabiosa
columbaria 'Butterfly
Blue'
Common
name: Pincushion
Flower
Family: Dipsacaceae
(say that one three times fast!), Teasel
Height
x Width: 10-24”
x 18-24”
Growth
Rate:
moderate
Foliage: opposite,
oblanceolate basal leaves differ from stem leaves and from the lanceolate
leaves of caucasica; also hairier than latter species
Flowers: 2-3”
across, resemble a pincushion, may come in lavender, pink, purple, maroon,
red, yellow, white, or lavender-blue as in this cultivar.
Hardiness: zones
3-7
Soil: fertile,
well drained, with a pH near neutral.
Light: full
sun
Pests
& Problems: none
serious except the occasional slug.
Landscape
Habit, Uses: massed
in the border, cut flowers, wild gardens and dry meadow habitats.
Other
Interest: species
is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa; name from the Latin scabies
or itch, for the disease the common species was thought to cure; may serve
as a nectar source for some butterflies and food source for some caterpillars;
Perennial Plant of the Year 2000
Other
Culture: prefers
cool, humid climates; often is slow growing.
Propagation: seed
is the best method, division may be done, but is a slow method.
Sources: many
mail order and local garden centers or nurseries
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