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Description
Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott, commonly known as Pincushion Flower, is a perennial plant that belongs to the honeysuckle family. It is native to the Caucasus Mountains and Iran, but it is also popular in gardens and landscapes worldwide due to its stunning appearance. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide and produces beautiful lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Its long stems make it an excellent cut flower for arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Scabiosa |
Appearance
Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott has an upright, clump-forming habit and produces basal rosettes of oblong, dark green leaves. Its stems are long and slender, with a few branches that bear multiple flower heads. The flowers are up to 3 inches in diameter and have a distinctive pincushion shape with a protruding center surrounded by frilly petals. The blossoms are usually lavender-blue, but some cultivars have pink, white, or purple flowers. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden.
Care Guide
To ensure the best growth and flowering of Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott, follow these care guidelines:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy or clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent heat stress.- Hardiness Zones: Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it may occasionally suffer from the following issues:- Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformed leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, causing them to yellow and wither. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it. Apply fungicides as needed.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, which causes the plant to wilt and die. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent it.
Habitat
Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott is native to the Caucasus Mountains and Iran, where it grows in rocky slopes, meadows, and woodland edges. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer-resistant due to its bitter-tasting foliage.
Q: How often should I deadhead the flowers?
A: Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
Q: Can I grow Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in a container as long as it has adequate drainage and room for the roots to spread.
Q: How do I propagate Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott?
A: Propagate the plant by dividing the clumps in early spring or late summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott:- Scabiosa atropurpurea: known as Sweet Scabious, this annual plant produces fragrant, pincushion-like flowers in various colors.- Scabiosa columbaria: known as Pincushion Scabious, this perennial plant has lavender-blue flowers that bloom in summer.- Scabiosa ochroleuca: known as Creamy Scabious, this perennial plant has creamy-white flowers that bloom in summer.
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott- Royal Horticultural Society: Scabiosa Caucasica Miss Willmott- Gardening Know How: Growing Pincushion Flowers: Scabiosa Plant Care
