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Scabiosa atropurpurea [ skab - ee - OH - suh , at - ro - pur - PURR - ee - uh ] is a flowering recurrent flora apart of the Scabiosa genus in thehoneysucklefamily .
The plant itself is native to northerly Africa and is feel in abundance in northern Libya , Morocco , Algeria , and Tunisia .
They are also found in southern Europe and westerly Asia and have been naturalized in southerly Australia and the USA .
The name comes from the Romance word scabies refer to the grating leaves on the plant capable of heal the itch .
Atropurpurea , on the other handwriting , is an name mean “ dark purple .
Unlike the more difficult to pronounce botanical name the vernacular epithet such as “ pincushion industrial plant ” and grandma ’s pincushion are given to the plant because they resemble pincushions full of needles .
You may see it called by its uncouth names including :
Pincushion Flower Care
Size & Growth
The pincushion bloom give rise an copiousness of unique flower in placement with a cool summer or Mediterranean - similar mood .
With the right grow consideration , the industrial plant can rise anywhere from 1.5 ’ substructure to 2 ’ human foot in height and have a 1 ’ foot scatter .
The industrial plant grows considerably fast and can get to ultimate height within 1 to 2 year .
Flowering and Fragrance
This Sweet Scabious mintage flower 2 ” inches wide showy flowers on farseeing stringy stems .
The plant ’s bloom sentence is from previous summertime into the fall .
While the inscrutable purple or burgundy gloss of the pincushion - similar flowers is widely democratic , you will find mixed bag produce pink and whitened flower colouration .
The contrasting lily-white stamens add ornamental interest to the plant life .
The Butterfly Blue pincushion flower wait unequaled against the foliage of oblong , coarsely toothed basal leave and pinnatifid stem leaves .
As both houseplants and wildflowers , these plants are known for their showy nature and attract various pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies .
Light & Temperature
The plant loves the full sun .
When planting , choose a location getting at least 6 hours of full sunshine during the day .
However , it does well in sheltered arena when planted face south or western United States .
The Pincushion Flower plant life is one of the longest anthesis annual subject of thriving in USDA zona 9a to 11 .
Although the plant is intrepid , it does not do well in high heat and humid clime .
Hence , it does n’t thrive in orbit south of USDA hardiness zone 7 .
Watering and Feeding
The plant has scurvy sustentation penury and does n’t need to be watered too frequently .
They are tolerant of drought but do n’t do well in high heat and humidity .
So make certain you irrigate the plant occasionally during a particularly hot or dry time of year .
The Pincushion Flower does tend to founder in very rich soils . Avoid using too much fertiliser too often .
If your garden bed is overly rich , plant the Pincushion Flower near sturdier plants for support .
Soil & Transplanting
Pincushion Flower plants do well in light to medium moisture , so ensure to use well - drained soil with a neutral pH.
They can do well in chalky , loamy , and sandy soil .
However , avoid using overly rich land as it can cause the flora to flop over .
If you ’re spud the seeds indoors , do it in peat pots or cell packs .
transfer the pincushion heyday only when the root have been established .
Plant them about 9 ” inches asunder from each other in well - drained grunge .
Keep the dirt moist in the beginning , but do n’t overwater as root putrefaction may occur .
Grooming and Maintenance
The best part about establish Pincushion Flowers is their very low sustenance .
The only pruning you need to do is cut back after flowering to promote future bloom .
Deadheading the spent bloom to prolong extra bloom .
However , leaving them in place is very attractive .
This flora is also considered invading .
It grows rapidly and can cover a bunch of ground through self - sowing .
The California Invasive Plant Council has order the flora as Watch .
How To Propagate Grandmother’s Pincushion?
The Pincushion Flower plant are best propagated through seeding .
Mournful Widow Pest or Disease Problems
The Pincushion Flower plant is typically insect , plague , and disease - free .
However , watch out for aphid , whitefly , and spider mites as they may stipple foliage .
Powdery mildewcan create problems . Fortunately , they are prosperous to deal with .
Find a solution for them by visiting and consulting with your local horticulture shopping centre .
Suggested Uses For Egyptian Rose
The unparalleled showiness of the Pincushion Flowers is commonly used for ornamental purposes .
The flush are excellent cut flower and can last for about four day in containers .
They are also dried and used decoratively .
In gardens , plant them in moulding , rock’n’roll garden , meadow , and rationalise gardens .
Pincushion prime are fantabulous in pollinator gardens as they attract hummingbirds and butterflies when in full bloom .
