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Herbaceous Perennial

Scabiosa columbaria 'Pincushion Pink'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A biennial or short-lived clump-forming perennial to around 35cm in height, with semi-evergreen, lance-shaped grey-green divided leaves. Pink flowers appear on stems above the foliage from mid-summer through to early autumn

Synonyms
Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Pincushion'
Scabiosa columbaria nana 'Pincushion Pink'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Scabiosa can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flower-heads with enlarged outer florets

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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