There are over 100 varieties of pincushion flowers. But have you ever encountered one that’s so dark it appears nearly black?
That’s scabiosa black knight. It is a captivating flower that has mesmerized gardeners and botanists with unique color.
Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant carries a storied history, gracing traditional gardens and modern landscapes alike.
If you plant this flower in your garden, its velvety, dark blooms create a striking contrast against the vibrant greens making it an unforgettable sight.
Summary:
| Scientific name | Scabiosa atropurpurea |
| Common names | Pincushion flower, Mourning bride |
| Plant type | Annual, Perennial |
| Height | 24-36 inches |
| Root | Fibrous vs. taproot |
| Flower color | Dark maroon / Blackish purple |
| Blooming season | Summer to fall |
| Sun requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil requirements | Well-drained, loamy |
| Water requirements | Moderate |
Scabiosa black knight stands out with its striking, almost black, maroon blooms that have a velvety texture and resemble pincushions.
Each flower sits atop a slender, wiry stem, swaying gracefully in the breeze. The plant grows to about 24-36 inches tall, making it a perfect choice for adding height to your garden beds.
In addition, its leaves are a soft, gray-green, finely divided, and provide a beautiful contrast to its dark flowers. The root system is generally fibrous, allowing it to establish well in well-drained, loamy soil.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moderate watering. It’s well-suited for USDA zones 3-7, so in various climates it can bloom continuously from summer to fall.
Scabiosa 'black knight' is a captivating flower, often associated with mystery, elegance, and strength due to its deep, velvety maroon-black blooms.
In the language of flowers, this striking variety symbolizes unrequited love and longing.
In European folklore, particularly in England, scabiosa 'black knight' is sometimes linked to protection and guardianship, echoing its knightly name.
Moreover, in Victorian times, dark flowers like scabiosa 'black knight' were often used in floral arrangements to convey intense, sometimes hidden emotions.
Scabiosa black knight boasts dark maroon flowers that appear almost black, a dramatic contrast to the lighter hues found in other varieties like Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ with its soft lavender-blue flowers or the pale pinks and whites of Scabiosa caucasica.
Also, scabiosa black knight typically grows taller, reaching up to 36 inches in height, whereas many other scabiosa species, such as scabiosa columbaria often stay around 12-18 inches.
Despite these differences, they share similar growth habits, all thriving in well-drained, loamy soil and preferring full sun to partial shade.
They also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing significantly to garden biodiversity.
The color of scabiosa black knight adds a dramatic splash of color and a unique texture to flower beds and borders.
The striking contrast of its velvety blooms against the soft, gray-green foliage creates a visually stunning effect. Moreover, its height and elegant, wiry stems provide a vertical element for your garden.
Scabiosa black knight is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden.
By growing this plant, you're supporting local pollinator populations which are crucial for the health of many ecosystems and for the pollination of other plants.
Additionally, its long blooming season from summer to fall provides a steady food source for these insects.
These flowers are long-lasting in floral arrangements, retaining their rich, dark maroon color and unique pincushion shape for days.
Especially, in bouquets, their tall, slender stems are easy to incorporate into a variety of arrangements, from simple vases to elaborate displays.
The deep maroon petals can be used to create a range of stunning hues, from rich purples to delicate pinks, depending on the mordant and fabric used.
To extract the dye, simply simmer the petals in water for about an hour, then strain out the plant material.
You can then soak your fabric in the dye bath, adjusting the time based on the depth of color you desire.
This natural process not only provides eco-friendly and non-toxic dye but also connects you with traditional, sustainable practices.
You can start by sowing the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden once frost danger has passed.
Unlike some other scabiosa varieties, 'black knight' seeds benefit from an overnight soak before planting to enhance germination.
You should choose a sunny spot with well-drained, slightly richer soil than other scabiosa might require.
Then take steps similar to the way of growing scabiosa, if you want to know full instruction of growing this flower, follow our guide.
In addition, one of the highlights of scabiosa 'black knight' is its extended blooming period from late spring to early autumn, so you can deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
Especially, 'black knight' is generally more pest-resistant, though it's still wise to keep an eye out for any issues.
Tips: You can grow calendula, coneflower or yarrow together with scabiosa black knight to provide a striking contrast to the dark maroon of it.
Typically, you can start harvesting scabiosa 'black knight' around 80 to 100 days after sowing, which is slightly faster compared to some other Scabiosa varieties.
For example, Scabiosa caucasica and Scabiosa atropurpurea may take up to 120 days to mature.
To harvest, cut the flowers early in the morning when they are well-hydrated, using sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut just above a leaf node.
Scabiosa 'black knight' flowers last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care.
If you want to preserve scabiosa black knight flowers, apply a drying method. You should cut the flowers at their peak just before they're fully open to maintain their vibrant color.
Then bundle a few stems together and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. This method can help you enjoy the flower for up to 2 years.
Specially, scabiosa 'black knight' tends to retain its deep, rich color better during the drying process compared to lighter-colored varieties.
Can scabiosa black knight be grown in pots?
Yes. But you need to ensure the container has good drainage and use well-drained, loamy soil.
Is scabiosa black knight toxic?
No. It is safe to plant in gardens frequented by children and pets.
Why is my scabiosa black knight wilting?
Wilting can be caused by several factors including overwatering, underwatering, or poor drainage.
You need to check the moisture levels regularly and ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
What does the scabiosa black knight flower symbolize?
Scabiosa black knight flower symbolizes love, purity, and peace. Its unique, dark blooms can also represent mystery and elegance, suitable for floral arrangements.
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