Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Scabiosa caucasica 'Perfection Blue'
Perfection Blue Pincushion Flower
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Height
- 18 to 24 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Large soft lavender blue pincushion flowers with lighter center
- Foliage color
- Green lobed foliage forming a low mound
- Bloom time
- Late spring to late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continued flowering and maintain a neat habit
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees butterflies and other pollinators
About this plant
Scabiosa caucasica 'Perfection Blue' produces rounded pincushion flowers in clear lavender blue from late spring into summer, each bloom composed of densely packed white to soft pink central florets surrounded by broader outer petals that create a delicate, layered form. Slender stems hold the flowers above low clumps of softly textured green leaves that form a neat mound through the growing season.
The species originates from the Caucasus Mountains of eastern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in open meadows and mountain slopes. In gardens, 'Perfection Blue' is valued for borders, cottage plantings, and cutting beds, where its long-stemmed flowers mingle easily among perennials.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
