Scabiosa atropurpurea Oxford Blue | Sweet Scabious | Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Oxford Blue’ | Sweet Scabious | Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Oxford Blue’ is an elegant and uniform cut flower, prized for its deep lavender-blue pincushion blooms and strong, slender stems. With flower heads measuring 4–6 cm (1½–2½"), this variety adds movement, texture, and a refined softness to bouquets and garden plantings alike.

This reselected deep-blue strain is grown primarily for cutting, offering excellent stem length and consistency. In addition to its beauty in arrangements, it is also highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Also known as mourningbride, Scabiosa brings both romance and productivity to the cut flower patch.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Scabiosa atropurpurea
• Common name: Sweet Scabious, Pincushion Flower, Mourningbride
• Lifecycle: Half-hardy annual
• Days to maturity: approx. 90–100 days
• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36")
• Color: Lavender blue / deep blue
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Plant spacing: approx. 20–40 cm

Sowing & Germination

• Sowing method: Transplant recommended
• Sow indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost
• Sowing depth: Surface sow (light aids germination)
• Germination:
  • 10–12 days
  • Ideal temperature: 18–21 °C
• Transplant seedlings when first true leaves appear
• Grow young plants cool (10–13 °C) to prevent stretching
• Harden off and plant out after danger of frost
• Direct sowing: Possible once soil has warmed; successive sowings every 2–3 weeks give the best quality stems

Growing Notes

• May require plant support (horizontal trellis recommended for cut-flower production)
• Easy to grow and highly productive
• Performs best in full sun with good air circulation

Uses

• Excellent cut flower
• Back of borders and beds
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Dried seed heads