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Scabiosa cretica (Balearic pincushion flower)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.4m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Scabiosa cretica
Other names
Balearic pincushion flower, Cretan scabious, Lomelosia cretica, Scabiosa pallida, Sclerostemma altissimum, Asterocephalus creticus, Asterocephalus africanus, Zygostemma creticum
Genus
Scabiosa Scabiosa
Species
S. cretica - S. cretica is a tender, clump-forming, woody-based perennial or subshrub with oval to lance-shaped, grey-green leaves and slender, erect stems bearing lavender to lavender-pink flower heads from late spring into summer.
Scabiosa cretica is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Flower
Lavender, Flushed pink in Spring; Lavender, Flushed pink in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering or leaves attractive seedheads. Cut back after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
Propagation
Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Scabiosa cretica (Balearic pincushion flower) will reach a height of 0.4m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in poor, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Avoid overwatering in summer. Protect from wet, winter conditions. Drought tolerant. Tolerates coastal conditions.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Scabiosa cretica
Other names
Balearic pincushion flower, Cretan scabious, Lomelosia cretica, Scabiosa pallida, Sclerostemma altissimum, Asterocephalus creticus, Asterocephalus africanus, Zygostemma creticum
Genus
Scabiosa Scabiosa
Species
S. cretica - S. cretica is a tender, clump-forming, woody-based perennial or subshrub with oval to lance-shaped, grey-green leaves and slender, erect stems bearing lavender to lavender-pink flower heads from late spring into summer.
Native to
Balearic Islands, Italy, Sicily
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
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Colour
Flower
Lavender, Flushed pink in Spring; Lavender, Flushed pink in Summer
Foliage
Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering or leaves attractive seedheads. Cut back after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
Propagation
Sow seeds in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Scabiosa cretica (Balearic pincushion flower) will reach a height of 0.4m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in poor, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Avoid overwatering in summer. Protect from wet, winter conditions. Drought tolerant. Tolerates coastal conditions.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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