Dove Pincushions
Scabiosa columbaria
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Angola, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Congo, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus:
- Scabiosa
- Species:
- Scabiosa columbaria
- USDA Symbol:
- SCCO6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- lavender, blue, pink, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, moths
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, calcareous, sandy loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to calcareous grasslands and rocky slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Surface sow or lightly cover; germinates best at 65-70°F. Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.