Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'

And, as its name suggests, 'Butterfly Blue' brings home the butterflies, especially in a large garden planting. Deer tend to leave it alone, and it stands up quite well to environmental stresses such as drought. Generally you will find this Pincushion Flower a very low-maintenance performer!

Hardy almost everywhere in the contiguous United States, Scabiosa is a snap to grow in well-drained soil receiving full sun to light shade (in the deep south and west). Native to the Mediterranean, Scabiosa prefers soil on the alkaline side, and can be damaged by excessively wet winter soils. Plants spread about 12 inches wide, so space them a foot apart. The foliage is grayish-green, forming a basal rosette that remains attractive from spring until frost.