{"title":"Scabiosa","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelicate, charming, and irresistible to butterflies — browse our collection of scabiosa seeds for NZ gardens. Also known as pincushion flowers, scabiosa produce a profusion of domed, ruffled blooms on long slender stems, making them outstanding cut flowers and a magnet for bees and butterflies throughout the season.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-knight","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Black Knight","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOne Of The Darkest, Most Dramatic Pincushion Flower You Can Grow\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Black Knight' is one of the most striking and sought-after annuals in the cottage garden palette. The flowers are a deep, velvety maroon-purple — so dark they appear almost black in certain lights — each one a perfectly formed domed pincushion of tiny florets studded with delicate white stamens that catch the light like tiny stars against the dark bloom. Held on long, wiry stems above finely cut foliage, the contrast between the near-black blooms and those luminous white stamens is quite breathtaking. An outstanding cut flower with excellent vase life, 'Black Knight' is also irresistible to bees and butterflies, making it as valuable to the garden as it is to the vase. Once you grow it, it becomes an annual fixture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌸 \u003cstrong\u003eDramatically dark flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e — deep velvety maroon-purple blooms so dark they appear almost black, each one studded with tiny white stamens that catch the light beautifully\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long wiry stems and excellent vase life make 'Black Knight' a favourite for fresh arrangements; the dark blooms add depth and drama to any bouquet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; Scabiosa is a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming over many weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eElegant, airy habit\u003c\/strong\u003e — the finely cut foliage and wiry stems give the plant a light, graceful quality that contrasts beautifully with the dark, velvety blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Black Knight' direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well across most NZ regions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; the more you cut, the more it blooms. An excellent companion for roses, cosmos, and other cottage garden favourites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e8 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Black Knight (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black Knight'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069632143429,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_26c97cfe-8ba5-4796-8716-1536380a1e36.png?v=1780025157"},{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-salmon-queen","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Salmon Queen","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSoft, Warm, and Utterly Charming — a Pincushion Flower in the Loveliest Shade\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Salmon Queen' is a beautifully soft and warm-toned pincushion flower that brings a gentle, romantic quality to the cottage garden and cutting patch. The blooms are a lovely warm salmon-pink — a colour that sits perfectly between peach and rose — each one a perfectly domed pincushion of tiny florets with delicate white stamens that catch the light across the bloom. Held on long, wiry stems above the foliage, 'Salmon Queen' is an outstanding cut flower that combines effortlessly with other cottage garden favourites. Bees and butterflies adore it, and once you start cutting, the plant just keeps on giving right through to autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌸 \u003cstrong\u003eWarm, romantic salmon-pink blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — a beautiful soft colour between peach and rose, with delicate white stamens across each perfectly domed flower head\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long wiry stems and excellent vase life; 'Salmon Queen' combines beautifully with roses, cosmos, sweet peas, and other cottage favourites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; Scabiosa is a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; the more you cut, the more it blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eElegant, airy habit\u003c\/strong\u003e — light, graceful stems and foliage give the plant a delicate quality that works beautifully in naturalistic and cottage-style plantings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Salmon Queen' direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well across most NZ regions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. An excellent companion for roses, sweet peas, cosmos, and other cottage garden favourites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e8 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Salmon Queen (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Salmon Queen'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069677592645,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_34e61089-e5aa-4871-9d1b-8c864d98977d.png?v=1780025831"},{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-snow-maiden","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Snow Maiden","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePure, Elegant, and Effortlessly Beautiful — the White Pincushion Flower\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Snow Maiden' is the crisp, clean white form of the beloved pincushion flower — and it is simply stunning. Each bloom is a perfectly domed pincushion of pure white florets, delicately ruffled at the edges, with tiny white stamens that give the flower a soft, luminous quality in the garden and the vase. Held on long, wiry stems, 'Snow Maiden' has an airy elegance that makes it one of the most versatile and sought-after white annuals for the cutting patch. It combines beautifully with almost everything — from deep purples and rich pinks to soft pastels and other whites — and it is irresistible to bees and butterflies throughout the season. A true cottage garden classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🧑🍳 \u003cstrong\u003ePure white blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — perfectly domed pincushion flower heads in crisp white with delicate ruffled edges and tiny white stamens; luminous and elegant in the garden and the vase\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long wiry stems and excellent vase life; 'Snow Maiden' is one of the most versatile white annuals for fresh arrangements, combining beautifully with almost any colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; Scabiosa is a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; deadhead regularly and the plant just keeps on giving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eElegant, airy habit\u003c\/strong\u003e — the light, graceful stems and delicate white blooms work beautifully in naturalistic, cottage, and cutting garden plantings alike\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Snow Maiden' direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well across most NZ regions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; the more you cut, the more it blooms. A beautiful companion for roses, sweet peas, cosmos, and dark-flowered annuals where the white blooms really sing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e8 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Snow Maiden (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Snow Maiden'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069720420421,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_8749542a-7dae-48a8-83b4-ce4022c6490b.png?v=1780026565"},{"product_id":"starball-scabiosa-seeds-scabiosa-stellata","title":"Starball Scabiosa Seeds — Scabiosa stellata","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGrown for the Seed Head — One of the Most Extraordinary Dried Flowers You Can Grow\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa stellata\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Starball' is quite unlike any other scabiosa — and indeed unlike almost any other annual you can grow. While it produces pretty pale lavender-blue pincushion flowers in summer that are loved by bees and butterflies, it is the seed heads that make this plant truly extraordinary. As the flowers fade, each one transforms into a perfectly spherical, papery bronze-gold globe made up of individual star-shaped calyxes arranged in a precise, geometric pattern — like a tiny, intricate lantern. These seed heads are simply stunning, both on the plant and dried, and they hold their shape and colour beautifully for months. A must-grow for anyone who loves dried flowers, everlastings, or simply something genuinely different in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌟 \u003cstrong\u003eExtraordinary spherical seed heads\u003c\/strong\u003e — perfectly round papery bronze-gold globes made up of individual star-shaped calyxes in a precise geometric pattern; quite unlike anything else\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌺 \u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful fresh flowers too\u003c\/strong\u003e — pretty pale lavender-blue pincushion flowers in summer before the seed heads form; loved by bees and butterflies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding for drying\u003c\/strong\u003e — the seed heads hold their shape and colour beautifully for months; harvest when fully formed for the best dried results\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; a reliable and rewarding annual that requires little attention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eUnique and eye-catching\u003c\/strong\u003e — the geometric, lantern-like seed heads are a talking point in the garden and in dried arrangements; nothing else looks quite like it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eExcellent cut and dried flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — use fresh in arrangements as the seed heads form, or dry for long-lasting wreaths, posies, and decorative displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa stellata 'Starball' direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. It prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil and performs well across most NZ regions. To harvest the seed heads for drying, cut the stems when the globes are fully formed and papery but before they shatter — hang upside down in a warm, airy spot to dry. The seed heads also look wonderful left on the plant as they mature and fade through the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e8 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Starball Scabiosa (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa stellata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Starball'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069829865541,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_640d4104-d37b-41d9-bf46-8f7389117849.png?v=1781119920"},{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-mix","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Mix","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Full Pincushion Flower Palette — All the Colours in One Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix brings together the full, glorious range of pincushion flower colours in a single packet — from deep near-black maroon and rich purple through warm crimson, soft rose, salmon-pink, pale lavender, and pure white. Each bloom is a perfectly domed pincushion of tiny florets with delicate stamens, held on long, wiry stems above the foliage. Grown together, the mix creates a rich, romantic tapestry of colour in the garden and an endlessly versatile palette for the cutting patch. Bees and butterflies adore them, and the more you cut, the more the plants produce. If you can only grow one scabiosa, make it the mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌸 \u003cstrong\u003eFull colour range in one packet\u003c\/strong\u003e — deep maroon-black, salmon-pink, pale lavender, and pure white; a complete cottage garden palette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long wiry stems and excellent vase life; the mixed colours create beautiful, effortless arrangements straight from the garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; Scabiosa is a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; deadhead regularly and the plants just keep on giving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eRomantic, naturalistic effect\u003c\/strong\u003e — the mix of colours and the airy, graceful habit of the plants creates a soft, romantic effect that is beautiful en masse in the border or cutting patch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea Mix direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well across most NZ regions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; the more you cut, the more it blooms. A beautiful companion for roses, cosmos, sweet peas, and other cottage garden favourites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e10 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Mix (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069901004869,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/il_1080xN.6701091540_erly_28b7c18d-3725-4c37-9fe2-c824cc9a5395.webp?v=1780029173"},{"product_id":"blue-note-scabiosa-seeds-scabiosa-columbaria","title":"Blue Note Scabiosa Seeds — Scabiosa columbaria","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA True Blue Pincushion Flower — Perennial, Prolific, and Loved by Pollinators\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa columbaria\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Blue Note' is a delightful perennial pincushion flower that brings soft, true blue-lavender blooms to the garden over an exceptionally long season. Unlike the annual \u003cem\u003eS. atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e, 'Blue Note' is a compact, long-lived perennial growing to around \u003cstrong\u003e25cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e, that returns year after year, forming a neat mound of finely divided foliage and producing a continuous succession of perfectly domed pincushion flowers in a beautiful soft blue-lavender with pale centres. The flowers are held on slender, wiry stems and are irresistible to bees and butterflies throughout the season. Elegant, reliable, and effortlessly beautiful — 'Blue Note' is a true cottage garden classic that earns its place in any border or cutting patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e💙 \u003cstrong\u003eSoft true blue-lavender blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — perfectly domed pincushion flowers in a beautiful soft blue-lavender with pale centres; one of the truest blues available in a perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🔄 \u003cstrong\u003ePerennial — comes back year after year\u003c\/strong\u003e — unlike annual scabiosas, 'Blue Note' is a long-lived perennial that forms a neat compact mound and flowers reliably each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eCompact habit — grows to around 25cm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a well-behaved, tidy plant that suits the front of the border, containers, and smaller garden spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout the season; one of the best perennials for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eGood cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — slender wiry stems and a delicate, airy quality make 'Blue Note' a lovely addition to cottage-style arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — reliable from seed; compact and well-behaved in the border with minimal maintenance required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eVery long flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from late spring through to autumn; deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa columbaria 'Blue Note' in trays in late winter or early spring. Surface sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly; germination can be a little slow and irregular so be patient. Transplant seedlings to 30cm apart in a sunny, well-drained position. 'Blue Note' prefers alkaline to neutral soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. Once established it is quite drought tolerant and performs well across most NZ regions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In mild NZ climates it may behave as a short-lived perennial; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e5 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Blue Note Scabiosa (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa columbaria\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Note'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069978173509,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/c7460ae67f667c5a28c7e18f6379f709.jpg?v=1780029994"},{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-oxford-blue","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Oxford Blue","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Classic Deep Blue Pincushion Flower — Tall, Elegant, and Irresistible to Bees\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Oxford Blue' is one of the finest blue-flowered annuals you can grow — a tall, graceful cottage garden classic with deeply coloured, rich blue-violet pincushion flowers that are simply stunning in the border and the vase. Growing to around \u003cstrong\u003e70cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e, 'Oxford Blue' produces a generous succession of perfectly domed flower heads in a deep, saturated blue-violet with contrasting pale stamens, held on long wiry stems that are perfect for cutting. The colour is rich and true — one of the deepest blues available in an annual scabiosa — and the flowers are absolutely loved by bees and butterflies throughout the season. A must-grow for the cutting patch and the cottage garden border alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e💙 \u003cstrong\u003eDeep, rich blue-violet blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — perfectly domed pincushion flowers in a saturated blue-violet with contrasting pale stamens; one of the deepest and truest blues in an annual scabiosa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eTall and elegant — grows to around 70cm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a statuesque annual that makes a beautiful impact at the back of the border and provides long stems for cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long wiry stems and excellent vase life; 'Oxford Blue' combines beautifully with whites, creams, soft pinks, and other cottage garden favourites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow or start in trays; a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; the more you cut, the more it blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Oxford Blue' direct where it is to flower in spring, or start in trays in late winter for earlier blooms. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. It is quite drought tolerant once established and performs well across most NZ regions. At 70cm, 'Oxford Blue' may benefit from light staking in exposed positions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; the more you cut, the more it blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e5 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Oxford Blue (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Oxford Blue'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069987086405,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_54a2b899-f749-4cc7-9622-1cac9982719b.png?v=1780030594"},{"product_id":"pincushion-flower-seeds-scabiosa-atropurpurea-fata-morgana","title":"Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Fata Morgana","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Towering Cottage Garden Classic — Creamy White Blooms with a Warm Golden Centre and Soft Peachy-Pink Blush\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Fata Morgana' is a truly impressive hardy annual that brings height, elegance, and a luminous, ever-changing quality to the cottage garden and cutting patch. Growing to a statuesque \u003cstrong\u003e100–120cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e, 'Fata Morgana' produces a generous succession of beautifully domed pincushion flowers with creamy white outer florets surrounding a warm golden-amber centre of tight rounded buds. As each bloom matures, it develops a delicate soft peachy-pink blush — a subtle, romantic colour shift that gives the plant a gentle warmth and depth quite unlike any other scabiosa. The depth of this blush colour is further enhanced by temperature changes, with cooler conditions intensifying the peachy-pink tones for a richer, more saturated effect. The flowers are held on long, strong wiry stems that are outstanding for cutting, and the plant is a hardy annual that can be sown in autumn as well as spring for an extended season. Bees and butterflies adore it, and the tall, airy stems create a beautiful naturalistic effect when grown en masse in the border or cutting patch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🫖 \u003cstrong\u003eCreamy white blooms with a warm golden centre\u003c\/strong\u003e — beautifully domed pincushion flowers with creamy white outer florets and a distinctive warm golden-amber rounded centre of tight buds; luminous and elegant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌸 \u003cstrong\u003eSoft peachy-pink blush deepened by temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e — each flower develops a delicate peachy-pink blush as it matures, with cooler temperatures intensifying the colour for a richer, more romantic effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eImpressive height — grows to 100–120cm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a statuesque annual that creates a beautiful impact at the back of the border and provides exceptionally long stems for cutting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long strong stems and excellent vase life; the soft creamy and peachy tones combine beautifully with whites, warm pinks, and cottage garden palettes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional for pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eHardy annual — sow in autumn or spring\u003c\/strong\u003e — the hardy nature of 'Fata Morgana' means it can be autumn-sown for earlier blooms the following season, giving it a head start over spring-sown plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eLong flowering season\u003c\/strong\u003e — blooms from early summer through to autumn; the more you cut, the more it blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Fata Morgana' direct where it is to flower in spring, or in autumn for earlier blooms — being a hardy annual it will overwinter well in most NZ regions. Alternatively, start in trays in late winter. Sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30–40cm apart. Scabiosa prefers a sunny position with well-drained, preferably alkaline soil — add a little lime if your soil is acidic. At 100–120cm, 'Fata Morgana' will benefit from staking in exposed positions. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; the more you cut, the more it blooms. Note that cooler autumn temperatures will deepen the peachy-pink blush on the blooms, making late-season flowers particularly beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e5 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pincushion Flower Fata Morgana (\u003cem\u003eScabiosa atropurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Fata Morgana'), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45069999865925,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_64bf8627-0dce-4fce-8d6d-0f42fa429974.png?v=1780032257"}],"url":"https:\/\/chbotanics.co.nz\/collections\/scabiosa.oembed","provider":"Chbotanics Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}