1 / 4

Key characteristics

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches
Flower color: Deep burgundy to nearly black pincushion flowers with contrasting pale pink stamens
Foliage color: Gray green finely divided foliage forming a loose clump
Bloom time: Early summer to fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent excessive self seeding
Growing zone: USDA zones 9 to 11 grown as an annual in cooler climates
Wildlife: Attracts bees butterflies and other pollinators

Perennials

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Black Cat'

Black Cat Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Black Cat' develops airy clumps of finely divided green foliage that form a soft, lacy base through the growing season. From early summer into early fall, slender stems carry rounded pincushion flowers in deep burgundy to near black tones, with small pale pink stamens throughout, giving the blooms a layered, velvety appearance.

The species originates from the Mediterranean region, where it has long been cultivated in ornamental and cutting gardens.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. 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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)