Scabiosa atropurpurea — sweet scabious
Scabiosa atropurpurea is the botanical name for sweet scabious, the tall, fragrant pincushion flower prized in the cutting garden. It is the species behind our scabiosa range within the flower seed collection.
History & origin
Sweet scabious is a Mediterranean annual that has been grown in gardens for centuries, valued for its honey-scented, long-stemmed flowers — including the deep, near-black maroon forms sometimes called “mournful widow” or “pincushion flower.”
The names are wonderfully descriptive: Scabiosa refers to its historic herbal use against skin complaints (from the Latin scabies), while atropurpurea means “dark purple,” for the rich, velvety colour of the classic blooms.
Botanical characteristics
An upright annual or short-lived perennial, Scabiosa atropurpurea carries domed, pin-studded flowerheads on long, wiry stems in deep maroon, crimson, lilac, pink and white, often sweetly scented. The long stems and excellent vase life make it a star cut flower, while the nectar-rich heads are irresistible to bees and butterflies among our pollinator-friendly flowers.
Growing Scabiosa atropurpurea from seed
Sow under cover in spring or direct once the soil warms, barely covering the seed. Give it full sun and free-draining ground, support the tall stems, and cut or deadhead often — the more you pick, the more it flowers, right through summer into autumn. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.
Ready to grow sweet scabious? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.
Related categories: Scabiosa · Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · All Flower Seeds
At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.
What is Scabiosa atropurpurea?It is sweet scabious, a tall, often fragrant pincushion flower grown as an annual or short-lived perennial, especially in deep maroon shades.
Is sweet scabious good for cutting?Yes — its long, wiry stems and excellent vase life make it a prized cut flower, and picking prolongs flowering.
When should I sow Scabiosa atropurpurea seeds?Sow under cover in spring or direct once the soil warms. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
Does sweet scabious attract pollinators?Very much — the nectar-rich heads are a strong magnet for bees and butterflies.
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