How to Grow Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)

This flower gets its name from the white, lavender and blue pincushion-like blooms that appear in summer. The graceful plant has gray-green leaves.

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Fertilizers
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants

Instructions

Choosing Pincushion Flower

1. Buy plants in containers. Pots should be between 4-inch and 1-gallon size.

2. Look for plants in spring and summer at nurseries.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants that have signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Pincushion Flower

1. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Set plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. Place plants 1 foot apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until the soil is completely moist.

Caring for Pincushion Flower

1. Cut back old flowers to the base of the stem using bypass pruners to encourage more blooms.

2. Cut back old foliage in early spring to about 3 inches high; use bypass pruners.

3. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil.

4. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

5. Water weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.