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Key characteristics

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Height: 12-18 inches tall
Width: 12-15 inches wide
Flower color: Soft lavender-blue
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; deadheading encourages continued bloom
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4-9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators

Perennials

Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue'

Butterfly Blue Pincushion

Scabiosa columbaria 'Butterfly Blue' is cherished for its soft lavender-blue, pincushion-like flowers that bloom prolifically from late spring through fall. Each delicate bloom displays a pincushion center surrounded by frilled petals, creating a light and airy effect that draws pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. This extended blooming season makes it a reliable choice for continuous color and charm in borders, rock gardens, or container displays.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.