Overview
Scabiosa ochroleuca is a clump forming perennial in the genus Scabiosa, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Scabiosa ochroleuca grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, wildlife borders, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Provinces, DR Congo, Eswatini, Free State, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Malawi and Mozambique.
About
Scabiosa ochroleuca, commonly known as cream pincushions or cream scabious, is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), characterized by its creamy yellow flower heads. It is native to Europe and western Asia, where it typically grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scabiosa ochroleuca
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scabiosa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scabiosa ochroleuca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, wildlife borders, cut flowers, flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Provinces, DR Congo, Eswatini, Free State, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scabiosa ochroleuca
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerant of drought once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scabiosa ochroleuca?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerant of drought once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Scabiosa ochroleuca?
Scabiosa ochroleuca prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Scabiosa ochroleuca need?
Scabiosa ochroleuca grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Scabiosa ochroleuca?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Scabiosa ochroleuca hardy in the UK?
Scabiosa ochroleuca 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 ochroleuca?
Seed.
