Pincushion Flower Seeds — Scabiosa atropurpurea Snow Maiden

Pure, Elegant, and Effortlessly Beautiful — the White Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea '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.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🧑🍳 Pure white blooms — 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
• ✂️ Outstanding cut flower — 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
• 🐝 Exceptional for pollinators — bees and butterflies are strongly attracted to the flowers throughout summer; one of the best annuals for beneficial insects
• 🌱 Easy to grow — direct sow or start in trays; Scabiosa is a reliable and generous annual that flowers prolifically with minimal fuss
• 🌿 Long flowering season — blooms from early summer through to autumn; deadhead regularly and the plant just keeps on giving
• 🎨 Elegant, airy habit — the light, graceful stems and delicate white blooms work beautifully in naturalistic, cottage, and cutting garden plantings alike

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow 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.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 8 seeds of Pincushion Flower Snow Maiden (Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Snow Maiden'), with growing instructions included.