Scabiosa atropurpurea

Scabiosa atropurpurea è la scabiosa odorosa — alti fiori a capolino dal profumo di miele in bordeaux intenso, cremisi, lilla, rosa e bianco su lunghi steli esili, amatissima nei giardini per recidere e dai pronubi.
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Scabiosa atropurpurea — sweet scabious

Scabiosa atropurpurea is the botanical name for sweet scabious, the tall, fragrant pincushion flower prized in the cutting garden. It is the species behind our scabiosa range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Sweet scabious is a Mediterranean annual that has been grown in gardens for centuries, valued for its honey-scented, long-stemmed flowers — including the deep, near-black maroon forms sometimes called “mournful widow” or “pincushion flower.”

The names are wonderfully descriptive: Scabiosa refers to its historic herbal use against skin complaints (from the Latin scabies), while atropurpurea means “dark purple,” for the rich, velvety colour of the classic blooms.

Botanical characteristics

An upright annual or short-lived perennial, Scabiosa atropurpurea carries domed, pin-studded flowerheads on long, wiry stems in deep maroon, crimson, lilac, pink and white, often sweetly scented. The long stems and excellent vase life make it a star cut flower, while the nectar-rich heads are irresistible to bees and butterflies among our pollinator-friendly flowers.

Growing Scabiosa atropurpurea from seed

Sow under cover in spring or direct once the soil warms, barely covering the seed. Give it full sun and free-draining ground, support the tall stems, and cut or deadhead often — the more you pick, the more it flowers, right through summer into autumn. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow sweet scabious? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Scabiosa · Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Che cos'è Scabiosa atropurpurea?
È la vedovina, un fiore a capolino alto e spesso profumato, coltivato come annuale o perenne di breve durata, particolarmente apprezzato nelle tonalità marrone scuro intenso. La vedovina è adatta al taglio?
Sì — i suoi steli lunghi e sottili e l'ottima durata in vaso la rendono un prezioso fiore reciso, e la raccolta prolunga la fioritura. Quando seminare i semi di Scabiosa atropurpurea?
Semina al riparo in primavera o direttamente all'aperto quando il terreno si scalda. Consulta il nostro calendario di semina dei fiori per i tempi precisi. La vedovina attira gli impollinatori?
Moltissimo — i capolini ricchi di nettare sono un forte richiamo per api e farfalle.