Scabiosa columbaria Pincushion Pink

Scabiosa columbaria 'Pincushion Pink' is a compact variety that blooms in pink pompoms for a very long period between late spring and the first frosts. This small perennial plant possesses all the qualities of its wild ancestor, S. columbaria, including good hardiness in well-drained, preferably limestone soils and low watering requirements. Its countryside charm adds a beautiful natural aspect to sunny borders and rockeries.

Scabiosa columbaria 'Pincushion Pink' belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. The wild form, S. columbaria, is native to Europe, temperate Asia, Algeria, and Morocco. It can be found in numerous regions where it blooms in meadows and on slopes, in dry, limestone-like soils.

'Pincushion Pink' is a slightly hairy plant that forms a low clump composed of branched and spreading stems. The semi-evergreen foliage consists of lobed and dissected leaves of variable shape and a dark greenish-grey colour. Flowering occurs from May-June to October if faded flowers are regularly removed. The flowers are gathered in small, rounded inflorescences measuring 4 to 5cm (2in) in diameter, with a soft pink colour and prominent stamens resembling small needles stuck in a ball of wool. They sway in the wind at the end of slender stems up to a height of 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in). This airy appearance makes them lovely flowers for light bouquets.

Planting scabious plants will attract the friendly attention of bees, butterflies, and beautiful burnet moths. Whether in borders, flower beds, or rockeries, plant them alongside other wild perennials. The combination of creeping baby's breath, globe thistle (Echinops ritro), shrubby sage, Aster 'Little Carlow', and pennisetum, for example, will be bucolic.