Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea Chile Black

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July and August
• Flower colour: dark claret purple
• Other features: the flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees; valuable for fresh and dried flower arrangements
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Dramatic, deep claret-purple, pincushion-like flower heads in mid- and late summer, above clumps of lance shaped, grey-green leaves. The eye catching almost black flowers of this scabious work equally well in a contemporary or cottage style planting. For best results plant in a sunny, well-drained spot, preferably on chalky ground.
  
  
• Garden care: Protect young plants from slug damage using environmentally friendly slug pellets or beer traps. Dead head regularly to prolong flowering and cut back the faded flower stems in autumn
• Goes well with: Knautia macedonica, Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum', Cimicifuga simplex 'Atropurpurea', Eryngium giganteum, Papaver orientale 'Patty's Plum', Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'
  
  It is worth keeping in mind that these plants are biennial/short lived perennials.