Scabiosa japonica var. alpina Ritz Blue | Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina Ritz Blue | Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa japonica var. alpina Ritz Blue, commonly known as the Pincushion Flower, is a compact, long-blooming perennial featuring delicate blue pincushion-like flowers that sway gracefully atop glossy green foliage. These elegant blooms attract butterflies and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens, cottage borders, and containers.

This FastraX perennial variety blooms in its first year without vernalization, ensuring quick flowering and a long-lasting display from spring through autumn. With a tight, mounded habit and no need for plant growth regulators (PGRs), it is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance option for both professional growers and home gardeners.

Why Choose Scabiosa japonica Ritz Blue?

✔ Stunning blue pincushion blooms – A unique and elegant addition to any garden
✔ Attracts butterflies & bees – Supports pollinators and biodiversity
✔ Compact, mounded habit – Perfect for borders, containers, and cottage gardens
✔ Blooms in the first year – No need for vernalization, ensuring quick flowering
✔ Low-maintenance & easy to grow – No PGR required, thrives in various conditions

Growing Information:

• Hardiness Zone: 5a – 8b
• Hardiness Temperature: Down to -34.4°C (-30°F)
• Blooming Season: Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn
• Plant Habit: Mounded, compact
• Watering Needs: Moderate
• Fertilization: Once a month
• Height: 15–20 cm
• Width: 15–20 cm
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Best Uses: Pots, perennial borders, cottage gardens, mixed containers

Sowing & Germination:

• Sowing Time:
  • January–March for flowering in June onwards
  • June–August for flowering in the following year
• Sowing Method: 1–2 seeds per plug
• Germination Time: Stage 1 (10–12 days)
• Transplant Plugs After: 5–6 weeks
• Optimal Growing Temperature: 13–18°C

Soil & Nutrients:

• Media: Well-drained substrate with:
  • 15–30% clay
  • 0–20% organic parts (bark, perlite, sand)
  • 1.5–3 kg/m³ balanced fertilizer
  • 0–2 kg/m³ slow-release fertilizer (3–9 months)
  • pH 5.8–6.5
• Fertilization Schedule:
  • 130–150 ppm nitrogen weekly
  • Apply magnesium sulfate (0.05%) 1–2 times
  • Iron chelate (above pH 6.0) 1–2 times to prevent deficiencies

Additional Benefits:

• Tolerates cool temperatures – Can be overwintered indoors frost-free at 3–5°C or grown outdoors
• Ideal for professional & home gardeners – Thrives with minimal care
• Perfect for containers & landscapes – Adds long-lasting beauty to any setting

Enhance your garden with the delicate elegance of Scabiosa japonica var. alpina Ritz Blue! Order your seeds today!