Marto Rose Pincushion Flower
Scabiosa columbaria
skab-ee-OH-suh kol-um-BAIR-ee-uh
Perennials: Rock Star
Pincushion Flower
Zone
3: -40° to -30°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
A good choice for the partially shaded scree garden, wall or alpine trough. It forms a low evergreen cushion or mound of bright green leaves, bearing short stems of upfacing, cup-shaped white flowers in spring. Requires a cool, moist location. Dislikes drought and hot humid summer weather. Shear lightly after blooming to remove the flower stems and encourage compact new growth. Adapts well to growing in clay pots or alpine troughs. A light top-dressing of sand right after flowering will help to keep the clumps tight and free from root-rot. Do not prune back in autumn or spring.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Pink
Blooming Time
Early Summer - Mid Summer
Habit
Spreading
Height
Under 6 in
Spread
6–12 in
Form
Pin
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators; Attracts Butterflies
Uses/Placement
Cut Flower
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun - Part Shade
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Dry
Soil PH
Slightly Alkaline: 7.0-7.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly alkaline soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Light Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division