Pigeon's Scabious, Dove pincushions, Pincushion Flower
Scabiosa columbaria
Family: Dipsacaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Blue, Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid fall, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Scabiosa columbaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Dry calcareous pastures, banks etc, to 600 metres.
Europe, including Britain, south and east from the Arctic circle to N. Africa, Siberia and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves. No more details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border. Prefers a neutral or alkaline soil and a sunny position. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Grows well in a dry sunny meadow. The flowers are a good nectar source for bees and lepidoptera, the plant is also a good food source for the caterpillars of many butterfly species. This species name is sometimes treated as the group name for an aggregate of species. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seedlings are subject to damping off so water with care and make sure to give adequate ventilation. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist