Scabiosa columbaria
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Common names: PINCUSHION FLOWER, SCABIOUS
Native to: Africa, Asia, Europe
Sentiment: unfortunate love
Plant
Types: biennial, perennial
Forms: clumping, erect
Max height: 2 feet
Max width: 3 feet
Flower
magenta/purple, violet
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Exposure: sun
Landscape use: container
Propagates by: cutting, division, seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: loam
USDA Zones: zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: -10 to +40 °F
Water: moderate, regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
leaf
flower
apical
There are 72 species of Scabiosa, also called PINCUSHION FLOWER or SCABIOUS and a member of the Caprifoliaceae family. Two are cultivated perennials – Scabiosa caucasica and columbaria. Both can be propagated via cutting, seed, or division, and grow to two feet high. They flower in summer, sometimes into fall, prefer moderate to regular watering, and thrive in Zones 4-10. The images shown here with wildlife perched on Scabiosa blossoms illustrates the visual delight provided by the attributes of this plant and the insects it attracts.
Scabiosa columbaria is a violet flowering perennial (or biennial) that grows to 2' high by 3' wide. It is native to Afria, Asia, and Europe. The leaves are green, lobed form, whorl or spiral, and have an obovate footprint with a hairy margin and a blunt tip. It can be cultivated via division, cutting, or seed and will grow in Zones 6-10. Grow it in loam or well-drained soil, in sun, in a container if you want, and give it moderate or regular watering.
Scabiosa attracts Vanessa annabella, West Coast Lady
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
