Scabiosa species can be classified as annuals, biennials, or herbaceous and evergreen perennials. They feature either simple or pinnately lobed foliage and are recognized for their distinctive flower heads, which have prominent outer florets.

Scabiosa columbaria subsp. ochroleuca from Russia

Scabiosa columbaria subsp. ochroleuca var. webbiana

Scabiosa columbaria subsp. portae

Scabiosa crenata

Scabiosa crenata subsp. dallaportae

Scabiosa cretica is a compact perennial that typically grows up to 45 cm in height. It develops a dense mound of oval to lance-shaped leaves with a silvery-green hue. The plant features slender, upright stems covered in fine white hairs, which support pincushion-shaped flower clusters in lavender during late spring and early summer. After flowering, it produces distinctive, rounded seed heads.

Scabiosa cretica

Scabiosa drakensbergensis

Scabiosa farinosa is an evergreen perennial that can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It features a woody base and a compact mound of scalloped, glossy dark green foliage that appears lighter on the underside. This plant produces lavender-blue flowerheads, which may also be white or pink, from late spring through summer. Its blooms attract bees and butterflies seeking nectar.

Scabiosa farinosa

Scabiosa farinosa 'Schofield's Variegated' (v)

Scabiosa fischeri

Scabiosa georgica

This evergreen perennial forms clumps and features clusters of silvery-green foliage. During the summer, it produces individual pincushion flowers that range from lilac to violet, each measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter, held on sturdy, slender stems.

Scabiosa graminifolia

Scabiosa graminifolia 'Green Dome'

Scabiosa graminifolia 'Pinkushion'

Scabiosa graminifolia rosea

Scabiosa holosericea

Scabiosa hymettia

Scabiosa incisa is a fast-growing, clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of about 50 cm, developing a slightly woody base. Its foliage consists of finely divided green leaves. From summer through autumn, it produces large pincushion flowers in pale purple-pink or white, characterized by frilled edges, which rise on slender stems above the leaves. After blooming, the plant develops bristly, rounded seedheads that add visual interest.

Scabiosa incisa

Scabiosa incisa 'Pink Cheer'

This mound-forming biennial or short-lived perennial features semi-evergreen, finely divided grey-green foliage, growing to a height of 25 cm. It produces mauve-blue blooms that can last for as long as four months during the summer season.

Scabiosa japonica

Scabiosa japonica 'Alba'

Scabiosa japonica 'Rose Quartz'

Scabiosa japonica var. acutiloba

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina 'Blue Star'

This mound-forming biennial or short-lived perennial features semi-evergreen, grey-green, finely divided foliage, growing to a height of around 20 cm. Its mauve-blue blossoms appear throughout the summer, lasting for a period of up to four months.

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina 'Ritz Blue'

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina 'Ritz Rose'

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina pink-flowered

Scabiosa lacerifolia

Scabiosa lachnophylla

Scabiosa lachnophylla 'Blue Horizon'

Scabiosa lanata

Scabiosa longifolia

Scabiosa lucida is a compact perennial that reaches a height of approximately 30 cm. It features basal rosettes of glossy, silvery-green leaves that are finely dissected. From late spring into summer, it produces lilac-mauve flowerheads measuring about 4 cm in diameter, which continue to bloom until the arrival of the first frosts.

Scabiosa lucida

Scabiosa mansenensis

Scabiosa mansenensis f. alpina

Scabiosa minoana

Scabiosa nitens

Scabiosa olgae

Scabiosa owerinii

Scabiosa palaestina

Scabiosa prolifera

Scabiosa pseudograminifolia

Scabiosa purpurea 'Ebony and Ivory' is typically cultivated as an annual, although it is a short-lived perennial. This variety features a blend of subtly scented flower heads that resemble pincushions, displaying either pristine white or deep red, almost black hues. The upright stems reach approximately 90 cm in height during the summer months.

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