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Description
Scabiosa Incisa, also known as pincushion flower or incised scabious, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae. The plant is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. It grows up to 30-60 cm in height and spreads up to 30-40 cm in width. The plant produces small, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The flowers are often used in floral arrangements, and the plant is popular among gardeners for its attractive appearance and low maintenance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Scabiosa |
| Species | incisa |
Appearance
Scabiosa Incisa is a clump-forming perennial plant that grows up to 30-60 cm in height and spreads up to 30-40 cm in width. The plant produces basal rosettes of dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and pinnately divided. The leaves are up to 25 cm long and 10 cm wide. The plant produces small, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The flowers are borne on slender, wiry stems that grow up to 60 cm tall. The flowers are about 2-3 cm in diameter and have a pincushion-like appearance. The plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Scabiosa Incisa is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your pincushion flower:- Water: Scabiosa Incisa prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Reduce watering in fall and winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.- Soil: Scabiosa Incisa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Scabiosa Incisa prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Scabiosa Incisa is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Scabiosa Incisa is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, the plant may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew, aphids, and spider mites. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Scabiosa Incisa is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. The plant is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and woodland edges. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scabiosa Incisa an invasive plant?A: No, Scabiosa Incisa is not considered an invasive plant. It is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most garden settings.Q: Can Scabiosa Incisa be grown in containers?A: Yes, Scabiosa Incisa can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep and fill it with well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.Q: How often should I deadhead Scabiosa Incisa?A: Deadhead Scabiosa Incisa regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Remove spent flowers by cutting them back to the nearest leaf or stem. Deadheading should be done throughout the growing season.Q: Can Scabiosa Incisa be propagated by division?A: Yes, Scabiosa Incisa can be propagated by division. Divide the plant in early spring or fall by digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water them regularly until they are established.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Scabiosa Incisa:- Scabiosa atropurpurea (Sweet Scabious)- Scabiosa caucasica (Pincushion Flower)- Scabiosa columbaria (Small Scabious)- Scabiosa ochroleuca (Creamy-white Scabious)- Scabiosa ochroleuca ‘Moon Dance’ (Moon Dance Scabious)
References
– RHS. (2021). Scabiosa incisa. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/50783/Scabiosa-incisa/Details- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Scabiosa incisa. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b434- Plant Delights Nursery. (2021). Scabiosa incisa. Retrieved from https://www.plantdelights.com/products/scabiosa-incisa
