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Description
Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is a stunning perennial plant that is native to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Also known as the Pincushion Flower, this plant is a popular choice for gardeners due to its dark, almost black flowers that bloom in clusters atop tall, slender stems. Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is a member of the Dipsacaceae family and is one of the many varieties of Scabiosa.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Dipsacaceae |
| Genus | Scabiosa |
| Species | Atropurpurea |
Appearance
Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight typically grows to a height of around 60cm and has a spread of 45cm. The plant produces dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette at the base of the stem. The stem itself is thin and wiry, with several branches that produce clusters of flowers at the top. The flowers are around 5cm in diameter and have a distinctive pincushion shape, with a central dome of dark purple-black florets surrounded by a ring of lighter purple petals. The flowers bloom from late spring through to early autumn and are often visited by bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure it thrives. Here are some tips:
Water: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization: Feed Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Soil: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by powdery mildew or root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these issues, ensure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is native to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and is commonly found growing in meadows, pastures, and open woodland. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight?
A: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Q: What pests and diseases can affect Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight?
A: Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight can be affected by powdery mildew or root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent these issues, ensure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
Q: What is the blooming period for Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight?
A: The flowers of Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight bloom from late spring through to early autumn.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight:
- Scabiosa Caucasica
- Scabiosa Columbaria
- Scabiosa Japonica
- Scabiosa Stellata
- Scabiosa Trifida
References
- “Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight – Pincushion Flower.” Gardenia.net. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-knight-pincushion-flower.
- “Scabiosa Atropurpurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287487.
- “Scabiosa Atropurpurea Black Knight.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/306886/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-knight/details.
