When it comes to the charming world of garden perennials, few plants capture my heart quite like the Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’.
As a gardener, I've had the pleasure of cultivating various species, but this particular variety has become a standout favorite in my flower beds.
The delicate, lavender-blue blossoms of the Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ dance in the breeze, reminiscent of miniature pincushions.
Summary:
| Scientific name | Scabiosa columbaria |
| Common names | Blue Butterfly Pincushion Flower, Small Scabious, Dwarf Scabious |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Height | 12-18 inches |
| Spread | 12-18 inches |
| Flower color | Blue, lavender |
| Blooming season | Summer to early fall |
| Soil requirements | Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil |
| Sun requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water requirements | Moderate |
Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is known for charming lavender-blue blossoms that boast delicate, pincushion-like flowers.
Native to Europe, Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 3-7 and thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
The plant's compact form typically reaching 12-18 inches in height and spread makes it a versatile choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Scabiosa 'butterfly blue' symbolizes love, purity, and peace, with its soft lavender-blue petals resembling a butterfly's wings.
In some cultures, particularly in European folklore, scabiosa is considered a symbol of mourning and remembrance, often planted in cemeteries and memorial gardens to honor loved ones.
As a result, you can gift scabiosa 'butterfly blue' to convey a message of tender affection and remembrance.
All scabiosa varieties share the distinctive pincushion-like flower structure with petals radiating from a central disk.
Besides, they all have a long blooming season and are easy to grow in many weather conditions.
However, scabiosa ‘butterfly blue’ has soft, lavender-blue flowers, which offer a more tranquil and subtle color compared to the often deeper purples, whites, or even crimson hues of other species.
Additionally, ‘butterfly blue’ is more compact, typically reaching 12-18 inches in height and spread. In contrast, other species can grow up to 24-36 inches tall and spread up to 18-24 inches.
Thanks to their rich nectar and easy-to-access blooms, scabiosa butterfly blue are like magnets for bees and butterflies.
Also, continuous blooming season ensures a steady supply of nectar making it a favorite stop for these beneficial insects.
Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is perfect for borders, where its compact height complements taller plants without overshadowing them.
It also thrives in rock gardens, bringing a soft contrast to the rugged stones.
Last year, I created a mixed container with ‘Butterfly Blue’, Lavender, and Echinacea on my patio. Their continuous blooms provide a beautiful focal point throughout the summer.
I often cut a few stems to bring indoors, they last impressively long, sometimes over a week with proper care.
If you also want to harvest scabiosa butterfly blue as cut flowers, harvest them in the early morning when the flowers are fully open but not yet fading, typically from late spring through early fall.
Moreover, you can create a centerpiece for a dinner party by mixing them white daisies and pink snapdragons. I tried and received so many compliments from my husband.
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, these seeds don’t require cold stratification making them easier to start.
When planting, you should choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. 'Butterfly Blue' has the same growing condition as other scabiosa types.
If you want to know detailed information on growing this flower, explore our guide on growing scabiosa.
You only need to ensure the soil is neutral to slightly alkaline, water moderately, and apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied during the growing season.
Especially, you don't worry as scabiosa 'butterfly blue' is pest-resistant making it easier to care for than some other varieties.
You can harvest scabiosa 'butterfly blue' around 70 to 90 days after sowing. This is slightly quicker than some other Scabiosa varieties, usually 100 -120 days.
To harvest, cut the flowers early in the morning when they're well-hydrated, just above a leaf node using sharp scissors or pruning shears.
In my experience, 'Butterfly Blue' flowers last longer in a vase maintaining their vibrant color and form for up to two weeks with proper care.
You can preserve scabiosa butterfly blue by drying them. After harvesting the blooms, strip the leaves from the stems and tie them into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark place.
Similar to other Scabiosa types, air drying is effective for 'butterfly blue,' but its papery petals tend to hold their color and shape better than some varieties.
Scabiosa caucasica and atropurpurea, for example, might require a bit more care to maintain their form.
Once dried, store the flowers in airtight containers away from direct sunlight. These preserved blooms are perfect for long-lasting floral arrangements and DIY projects.
Do Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ do well in pots?
Yes. You only need to ensure the pot has good drainage, use a well-draining potting mix. And maintain care as the above suggested.
Will Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ self-seed?
Yes. If you allow the flowers to go to seed, you may find new plants emerging the following season.
Is Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ poisonous?
No. Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ is safe for humans or pets.
What is Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’ used for in medicine?
While ‘Butterfly Blue’ is primarily ornamental today, its heritage includes traditional medicinal uses for skin health and respiratory issues.
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