Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea Ace of Spades

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to August
• Flower colour: dark raspberry purple
• Other features: the flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees; valuable for fresh and dried flower arrangements
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Fragrant, double, dark raspberry purple, pincushion like flowers on wiry stems from June to August, above clumps of mid green leaves. The sumptuous dark flowers and scents of sweet scabious are best appreciated close up. Highly attractive to butterflies and bees, it's an ideal long flowering plant for a sunny, well-drained border close to an entrance or path.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect young plants from slug damage using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and cut back the faded flower stems in autumn.
  
  It is worth keeping in mind that these plants are biennial/short lived perennials.