Scabiosa Varieties: A Florist’s Guide

Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, is valued for its delicate, textured blooms, long vase life, and versatility in arrangements. This guide helps florists select, handle, and display different Scabiosa varieties.

1. Overview

• Botanical Name: Scabiosa spp.

• Common Names: Pincushion flower, Mourning Bride

• Family: Caprifoliaceae

• Flowering Season: Late spring to early autumn

• Uses: Bouquets, floral arrangements, wedding decor, dried flowers

Key Features:

• Round, textured flower heads resembling a pincushion

• Colors from soft pastels to deep purples and blues

• Long stems ideal for cutting and arrangements

2. Popular Scabiosa Varieties for Florists

• ‘Butterfly Blue’

  • Medium-sized blooms

  • Sky blue color

  • Airy and delicate; great as filler in bouquets

• ‘Fama Deep Blue’

  • Large blooms

  • Deep violet-blue

  • Long-lasting; adds depth to arrangements

• ‘Black Knight’

  • Medium-sized blooms

  • Dark purple-black

  • Dramatic focal flower; ideal for modern bouquets

• ‘Pink Mist’

  • Small blooms

  • Soft pink

  • Perfect for pastel or romantic arrangements

• ‘Blue Note’

  • Medium-sized blooms

  • Lavender-blue

  • Strong stems; excellent for vases

• ‘Ashworth’s Pink’

  • Medium-sized blooms

  • Pale pink

  • Great for massed displays or cottage-style designs

• ‘Perfecta White’

  • Large blooms

  • Pure white

  • Ideal for wedding bouquets or as a contrast flower

3. Handling and Care

• Cutting: Early morning when the plant is turgid

• Conditioning: Remove lower leaves; place in clean water with floral preservative

• Vase Life: 5–10 days depending on variety

• Temperature: Keep cool and shaded to prolong freshness

Tip: Re-cut stems every 2–3 days and refresh water for longer vase life.

4. Design Applications

• Bouquets: Use as filler or focal blooms; pair with roses, lisianthus, or delphinium for romantic styles

• Centerpieces: Mix colors for texture; smaller varieties suit low, compact designs

• Weddings: White or pale pink for elegance; deep blues/purples add contrast

• Dried Flowers: Air dry or use silica gel; retains color and texture

5. Tips for Florists

1. Combine different colors for a natural, garden-style look

2. Highlight the textured “pincushion” form to contrast smooth blooms

3. Keep stems upright in water to prevent drooping

4. Plan seasonally to maintain a year-round supply

Scabiosa’s versatility, colors, and textures make it a florist’s staple for everything from everyday bouquets to elegant wedding arrangements.