Lomelosia caucasica aka Pincushion Flower

Lomelosia caucasica belongs to the honeysuckle family. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Garden books also use the name Scabiosa caucasica. People call it pincushion flower or Caucasian scabious. Its native range starts in northeast Turkey. It runs through the Caucasus to northwest Iran. It grows in regions with a temperate climate. People have also brought it to Germany. It suits cool gardens better than hot, humid sites.

It forms low clumps or mats with upright flower stems. Garden plants grow about 1.5–2 feet (0.46–0.61 metres) tall. They spread about 1.5–2 feet (0.46–0.61 metres) wide. RHS size bands allow both height and spread to reach 3.3 feet (1 metre). The leaves are a muted grey-green. Leaves near the ground have a lance shape. Their edges are whole or have lobes. Stem leaves are narrower and have deep cuts. The plant sheds its leaves for winter. Stiff, straight stems hold the flower heads above the leaves.

Each flower head measures about 2–3 inches across. Colours include pale blue, lavender, purple, and white. Large outer florets, or small flowers, make a frilled rim. Stamens stick out from the centre like pins in a cushion. Sources give different dates for the bloom season. Missouri Botanical Garden gives late May into midsummer. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May through October. NC State stresses bloom in summer and fall. Remove faded heads to help the flowers last longer. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms, as do hummingbirds.

Give the plant full sun and soil that drains well. Light sand, loam, and chalk-based soil suit it. It needs neutral soil or soil that is slightly alkaline. Give it a moderate amount of water when growing it. It can also cope with drought. Wet soil can cause rot; take care with winter wet. High heat and humid air can also make plants fail. RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H4. NC State lists USDA zones 3–8. Chicago lists zones 2–9. These sources give different ranges, not one agreed limit.

Use it in borders, cottage gardens, and beds for cutting. Its flowers suit wildlife gardens and gravel gardens too. Deer tend to leave it alone. Sources report few serious problems with pests or disease. Chicago says it is short-lived but sets seed to persist. Grow new plants from seed or split clumps in spring. RHS suggests splitting clumps every three years. Cut down the flower stems in autumn once bloom ends.