Overview
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' is a perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and mediterranean gardens. It is native to Mediterranean region, Morocco, Spain and Greece.
About
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' is a perennial scabious with narrow, grass-like leaves and domed pink to lilac flowerheads. Native to rocky parts of the Mediterranean, it favours exposed, open sites. Flowering in the UK runs June to September. Sit it in a south-facing, well-drained patch of neutral to alkaline soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lomelosia graminifolia
About the genus
Scabiosa is a genus in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) of flowering plants. Many of the species in this genus have common names that include the word scabious, but some plants commonly known as scabious are currently classified in related genera such as Knautia and Succisa; at least some of these were formerly placed in Scabiosa. Another common name for members of this genus is pincushion flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Scabiosa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scabiosa
In the garden
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' comes from the Mediterranean region, recorded from Morocco, Spain and Greece where it grows on rocky slopes and gravelly ledges. The species carries narrow, grass-like foliage and produces domed pink to lilac flowerheads through the summer. In the UK it flowers from June to September. Place 'Pinkushion' in full sun on a south-facing, exposed position with free-draining, rocky or sandy soil; it prefers neutral to alkaline conditions and copes with dry to medium soil moisture. The plant is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens, so it will tolerate winter cold where soils do not remain waterlogged. A gravelly planting mix or a ledge in a rock garden reproduces its native conditions. Use it in rock gardens, gravel borders or Mediterranean-style beds where its narrow leaves and summer flowerheads can be appreciated at close range. Group several plants in pockets of gravel or at the front of borders to mirror its natural habit on scree slopes. Expect domed pink to lilac flowerheads held above the grass-like foliage from June to September, which gives the plant a recognisable seasonal outline.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, rocky, sandy
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, open
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, Mediterranean gardens
- Native to
- Mediterranean region, Morocco, Spain, Greece
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'
- Cultivation
- plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'?
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and open positions.
What soil does Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' need?
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, rocky and sandy. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Is Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'?
Seed, division.
