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Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'
dwarf blue pincushion flower
Cultivar of garden origin; probable parent {Scabiosa columbaria} from Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western Asia (dry grasslands and rocky slopes)
Overview
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' is a deciduous perennial reaching 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide, with a compact mounding habit. A probable hybrid involving Scabiosa columbaria, the cultivar carries lavender-blue to soft violet-blue domed pincushion flower heads 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with a raised central stamen boss and notched outer florets on wiry stems from late spring through fall — May through October, a bloom window of up to 24 weeks when the plant is deadheaded regularly. Foliage is narrow pinnately lobed gray-green. The cultivar sits in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), subfamily Dipsacoideae (formerly the separate family Dipsacaceae). 'Butterfly Blue' was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2000 by the Perennial Plant Association. Flowers are a reliable butterfly nectar source through the second half of the growing season. The cultivar is short-lived (typical performance 3–5 years); division every 2–3 years maintains vigor, and undivided clumps decline and die. Growth rate is fast. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Wet winter soils produce crown rot — sharp drainage is essential. Non-toxic and deer-resistant.
Native Range
Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' is a cultivar of garden origin. The probable parent species Scabiosa columbaria is native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western Asia in dry grasslands and rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers of 3 gallons (11 L) or larger at 12–15 inch (30–38 cm) spacing in USDA zones 4–9. The long bloom window from May through October supplies nectar for butterflies from late spring through the first frosts and pairs with Nepeta, Echinacea purpurea, and Rudbeckia fulgida in mid-summer combinations. The 2000 Perennial Plant of the Year designation reflects the cultivar's long bloom window and reliability for border use. Wet soils, shaded positions, and rich soils that push loose floppy growth fall outside the cultivar's cultural range.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'2"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Produces lavender-blue domed pincushion flower heads 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across continuously from May through October when deadheaded regularly — a bloom window of up to 24 weeks. Weekly deadheading to the nearest lateral bud maintains the succession of flowers; flowering diminishes quickly after the first flush if spent heads are left on the plant. The flower form is a butterfly nectar source.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-blue to soft violet-blue; domed pincushion heads 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) with a raised central stamen boss and notched outer florets; on wiry stemsFoliage Description
Gray-green; narrow pinnately lobed; slightly rough-textured; 2–4 inches (5–10 cm)Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in lean well-drained alkaline sandy, chalky, or loamy soil at pH 6.5–7.5. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Sharp drainage is required; wet winter soils cause crown rot and are the main cause of plant loss. Weekly deadheading to the nearest lateral bud through the bloom season is the key maintenance task for continuous bloom from May through October. The cultivar is short-lived (3–5 years); division every 2–3 years in spring maintains vigor, and undivided clumps decline and die. Drought tolerance is high once the plant is established. Non-toxic and deer-resistant.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower heads weekly to the nearest lateral bud during the May–October bloom window. Cut to 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) in early spring (March) before new growth emerges. Divide every 2–3 years in spring — clumps left undivided beyond 3 years decline in vigor and flower production.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons