Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its beautiful blue flowers that bloom from summer to fall. This plant is also known as Pincushion Flower or Dove Pincushion.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Scabiosa |
Appearance
Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue grows up to 12-18 inches in height and 18-24 inches in width. It has a clumping habit and produces gray-green foliage that is lance-shaped and deeply lobed. The flowers of this plant are lavender-blue in color, and each flower measures about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers are produced on long stems that rise above the foliage.
Care Guide
Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and fertilization. It grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 3-8. To care for this plant:
- Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Plant the plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Provide the plant with full sun to partial shade.
- Make sure the plant is hardy in your zone before planting it.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot, and spider mites. To prevent these problems:
- Avoid overwatering the plant.
- Plant the plant in well-draining soil.
- Provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Use an appropriate fungicide or insecticide if necessary.
Habitat
Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is native to Europe, but it is widely cultivated in gardens around the world. It grows well in temperate climates and is often used as a border plant or in rock gardens. It is also a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long stems and beautiful flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is relatively easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Does Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue is a popular plant for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue can be grown in containers, as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue be fertilized?
A: Scabiosa Columbaria Butterfly Blue should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Scabiosa caucasica
- Scabiosa ochroleuca
- Scabiosa atropurpurea
- Scabiosa stellata
References
- “Scabiosa columbaria.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288431.
- “Scabiosa columbaria.” Plant Care Today. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/scabiosa-columbaria.html.
- “Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’.” Gardenia. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/scabiosa-columbaria-butterfly-blue-pincushion-flower.
