When it comes to creating a vibrant, eye-catching landscape in Utah, it's essential to choose plants that can thrive in our unique conditions. One plant that is perfectly suited for Utah is the pincushion flower. With its stunning colors and ability to adapt to our climate, pincushion flowers make a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape.
Scabiosa columbaria FLUTTER 'Rose Pink' Pincushion Flower
Preferred Growing Conditions
Pincushion flowers, scientifically known as Scabiosa, are native to Europe and Asia but have found a place in gardens worldwide due to their hardiness in both hot and cold temperatures. If you're planning to grow pincushion flowers in Utah, here are the conditions they prefer:
Sunlight
Pincushion flowers thrive in full sun, so make sure to plant them in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It’s okay, they can handle the heat. They don’t mind the cold either. They’re hardy to zone 4, which means they can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 to -20 degrees fahrenheit. That’s more than 50 degrees below freezing.
Scabiosa columbaria FLUTTER 'Deep Blue' Pincushion Flower
Soil
These flowers prefer well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Soils vary in Utah depending on where you live. Many Utahns can expect to have a soil pH between 7.0 and 8.5. We’ve seen Scabiosa perform well even in these more alkaline soils. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding organic matter or compost to improve drainage.
Water
Pincushion flowers are drought-tolerant once established. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Speaking of water, the water in Utah Lake is loaded with dissolved solids that will kill many of your favorite plants but that’s not an issue for Scabiosa. Your pincushion flowers will be just fine with water sourced from Utah Lake. So, if you live in Utah County or the southern half of the Salt Lake Valley and have secondary water from Utah Lake, feel free to load your flower beds, rock gardens, and borders with this amazing plant!
Scabiosa columbaria 'GIGA Silver' Pincushion Flower
Using Pincushion Flowers in Your Landscape:
Blue, purple, pink, and white are wonderful colors in any landscape. Long-lasting blues and purples can be hard to find, especially in a compact, waterwise flower. That’s one reason why Scabiosa is such a perfect match for this region. They don’t get overgrown, and they’ll bloom all summer, starting in late spring and continuing into fall. Here are just a few suggestions of ways you can use Scabiosa in your landscape:
Flower beds
Pincushion flowers make a striking addition to flower beds, adding pops of color with their vibrant blooms. Their neat, rounded foliage and somewhat contorted flower spikes, create a fun combination of formal and informal, which makes them an ideal choice in any style of landscape design. Combine them with other drought-tolerant perennials like lavender, penstemon, and yarrow for a beautiful, low-maintenance display.
Scabiosa columbaria 'GIGA Silver' Pincushion Flower
Rock gardens
Pincushion flowers' compact size and ability to thrive in rocky soil make them a perfect choice for rock gardens. Plant them among boulders and other rock formations to create a natural-looking, colorful oasis.
Containers
If you have limited space or want to add visual interest to your patio or deck, consider planting pincushion flowers in containers. Choose a well-draining potting mix and place the containers in areas that receive ample sunlight.
Butterfly and bee gardens
Pincushion flowers are a magnet for butterflies and bees, making them an excellent choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Plant them alongside other nectar-rich flowers to attract these beneficial insects to your landscape.
Scabiosa columbaria FLUTTER 'Rose Pink' Pincushion Flower
You can’t go wrong with pincushion flowers. They’re a delightful addition to any Utah landscape, offering a burst of color and unique texture. With their ability to thrive in Utah's climate and adapt to various growing conditions, these flowers are a valuable asset for both experienced and novice gardeners. It takes almost no effort to give them the conditions they need to thrive here in Utah. If you include them in your landscape design, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of pincushion flowers throughout the growing season. So, why not give these charming blooms a chance to shine in your garden?
