Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The blooms of the Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower are not very large, but they are unique and will steal the show. The lavender-blue flowers of the Scabiosa caucasica have broad outer petals that surround prominent stamens. The flowers have a full, rounded look and provide a textural element to a space. Enjoy the flowers from May through October. The blooms stand on top of wiry stems above gray-green basal foliage. The leaves are compact and provide a nice contrast against the stunning flowers.
Plant in beds or borders and make sure to trim some of the long-lasting flowers to feature in arrangements. Butterflies favor the lovely flowers, so try to plant them near a window or patio so you can enjoy the winged visitors. The Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower is a hardy plant that grows as a perennial in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower Care
The Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower is easy to maintain, but make sure to plant in full sun. Soil should be rich, moist, and neutral to slightly alkaline. This beauty doesn't like wet feet, so the soil must promote drainage. Give the plant about one inch of water weekly, but increase the watering frequency during a drought. This plant is not a heavy feeder, so you can skip fertilizing altogether or apply a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks during the blooming cycle.
Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back greenery if the plant appears leggy. The Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower is a herbaceous perennial so cut back growth in the late fall or early spring.
Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower Spacing
This beauty will grow 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. Plants should be spaced 20 to 24 inches apart when creating a continuous planting.
Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue, Purple
- Flower Description
- Lavender-blue
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Gray-Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 4 Season Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower
- Botanical Name
- SCABIOSA CAUCASICA 'BUTTERFLY BLUE'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!