Scabiosa columbaria Giga® Blue (Pincushion Flower)

Noted for its incredibly large flowers, Scabiosa columbaria Giga® Blue (Pincushion Flower) is a well-branched and naturally compact clump-forming perennial forming a short mound of ferny, often fuzzy foliage. Blooming for months from mid-spring through summer, it rewards gardeners with a profusion of violet-blue, pincushion-like flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm), atop wiry stems, which hover over the foliage mound. Trouble-free, easy-to-grow, this eye-catching beauty is commonly used in containers, perennial borders, or as a cut flower and is great for attracting butterflies into the garden. Excellent for grouping or massing in borders and rock gardens. The finely divided foliage stays low and compact, making this pretty perennial suitable for edging borders and paths.

• Grows up to 12-20 in. tall (30-50 cm) and 12-15 in. wide (30-37 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Partial shade in southern gardens is beneficial. Soil should be consistently wet for best performance during the growing season and well-drained during winter cold temperatures. Protect from winter wet.
• A vital ingredient of beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, prairies, or containers. Excellent cut flowers!
• Keep an eye out for spider mites, slugs, and whitefly.
• Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
• Propagate by division or take basal cuttings
• Deadheading will extend the bloom season. Cut down in the fall.