High Quality Scabiosa Plants For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Pin-Cushion Plants

Growing flowering plants delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Scabiosa varieties of all sizes and colours that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right Pin Cushion Flower for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Scabiosa, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Scabiosa

1. What are some fun facts about Scabiosa?

Here are some fun facts about Scabiosa:

1. Pincushion Flower: Scabiosa is often called the pincushion flower because its prominent stamens emerge from compact, round blooms, resembling pins in a pincushion.
2. Name Origin: The name Scabiosa comes from the Latin word "scabere," meaning "to scratch." This likely references the plant's use by the Romans to treat scabies, a contagious skin disease.
3. Butterfly Magnet: Scabiosa's nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of butterflies, making them a popular choice for butterfly gardens.
4. Symbolism: In the language of flowers, Scabiosa symbolizes unfortunate love. The dark flowers of Scabiosa atropurpurea (sweet scabious) represent death or widowhood, contributing to the common names "mourning bride" and "mournful widow."
5. National Flower of Mongolia: Scabiosa is the national flower of Mongolia, symbolizing resilience and perseverance.
6. Long Blooming Period: Unlike many other flowers, Scabiosa can bloom year-round in warm climates, making them a continuous source of beauty in the garden.
7. Medicinal Properties: Scabiosa succisa has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat coughs, fevers, and internal inflammation.
8. Multiple Uses: Besides its ornamental value, Scabiosa can also be used as a cut flower and dried for arrangements. The seeds of some species are edible and can be used as a substitute for poppy seeds.
9. Ease of Care: Scabiosa is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of conditions, making them a good choice for gardeners of all levels.

2. Is Scabiosa hard to grow?

Scabiosa is not hard to grow. They are relatively easy-care plants that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They are drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Here are some tips for growing Scabiosa:

• Soil: Scabiosa prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Watering: Scabiosa is drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water them deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilizer: Scabiosa does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring will usually suffice.
• Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers will encourage reblooming. Simply pinch off the spent flowers with your fingers or use a pair of shears.
• Pruning: Scabiosa does not require much pruning. Simply remove any dead or diseased branches in the spring.
• Pests and Diseases: Scabiosa is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, humid weather. To prevent powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plants by spacing them evenly and avoiding overcrowding.

With proper care, Scabiosa will reward you with beautiful, long-lasting blooms.

3. What are the conditions for Scabiosa?

Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flower, is a genus of about 90 species of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and are widely cultivated as garden plants. Scabiosa are herbaceous or woody, and can be annual, biennial, or perennial. They have opposite, simple leaves, and produce showy, globose flowers in a range of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and blue.

Scabiosa are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. They are drought-tolerant, but they will benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Scabiosa do not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring will usually suffice. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage reblooming. Scabiosa are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, humid weather. To prevent powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plants by spacing them evenly and avoiding overcrowding.

4. What do Scabiosa flowers represent?

Scabiosa flowers, also known as pincushion flowers, have a rich symbolism and history. In the language of flowers, they represent unfortunate love, mourning, and purity.

The dark flowers of Scabiosa atropurpurea (sweet scabious) in particular have been associated with death and widowhood, leading to the common names "mourning bride" and "mournful widow." This symbolism may stem from the plant's traditional use in funeral wreaths and memorials.

Despite this somber association, Scabiosa flowers also hold positive connotations. Their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance have inspired artists and poets, and they are often seen as symbols of purity, peace, and tranquility.

Here's a summary of the symbolic meanings of Scabiosa flowers:

• Unfortunate love: The dark flowers of Scabiosa atropurpurea represent unrequited love or the loss of a loved one.
• Mourning: The association with dark flowers and traditional funeral use has led to Scabiosa being seen as a symbol of mourning and remembrance.
• Purity: The delicate beauty and white blooms of some Scabiosa species symbolize purity, innocence, and untainted love.
• Peace: The calming presence and serene fragrance of Scabiosa flowers often evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.

Overall, the symbolism of Scabiosa flowers is a blend of somber and positive meanings, reflecting the duality of human emotions and the delicate balance between life and loss.

5. What flower symbolizes suffering?

Several flowers are associated with suffering, representing pain, loss, and sadness. These flowers often have a somber appearance or a connection to grief and mourning rituals. Here are some examples:

1. Black Rose: The black rose, a rare and symbolic flower, is often associated with death, mourning, and heartbreak. Its dark petals represent the depths of sorrow and the pain that comes with loss.
2. Poppy: Poppies, particularly the red variety, are known for their beauty and symbolism in various cultures. However, red poppies also hold connections to remembrance and sacrifice, especially in the context of war memorials. They represent the lives lost and the suffering endured during conflicts.
3. Willow Tree: The willow tree, with its drooping branches and melancholic appearance, has long been associated with mourning and sadness. Its presence in literature and art often evokes a sense of loss and lament.
4. Chrysanthemum: In some cultures, chrysanthemums, particularly yellow ones, are associated with death and mourning. Their association with funerals and gravesites has contributed to this symbolism.
5. Dahlia: Dahlias, with their vibrant colors and diverse forms, often symbolize beauty and elegance. However, in some traditions, they also hold a connection to grief and loss. The dahlia's symbolism may vary depending on the colour and cultural context.
6. Bleeding Heart: The bleeding heart flower, with its unique shape resembling a heart dripping with blood, is a poignant symbol of heartache and suffering. Its delicate petals represent the pain of love lost or unfulfilled desires.
7. Cypress Tree: The cypress tree, with its dark, evergreen foliage and distinctive conical shape, has long been associated with death and mourning. Its presence in cemeteries and graveyards has solidified this symbolism.
8. Ivy: Ivy, with its trailing vines and ability to grow over graves and ruins, has come to symbolize loss, remembrance, and the passage of time. Its enduring presence amidst decay suggests the persistence of memory and the enduring connection to the past.
9. Nightshade: Nightshade, with its dark berries and association with witchcraft and folklore, has sometimes been linked to negative emotions like sorrow and despair. Its connection to the unseen and mysterious has contributed to this symbolism.
10. Olive Branch: The olive branch, a symbol of peace and reconciliation in many cultures, also has a connection to suffering. It represents the olive tree's ability to thrive in harsh conditions, symbolizing the resilience of the human spirit amidst pain and adversity.