Scabiosa, also known as pincushion flower, is one of the most delightful perennials in the cottage garden. As a member of the honeysuckle family, it’s native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa ...

Scabiosa ochroleuca forms a clump of mid-green foliage up to a foot tall and wide. The ovate to lance-shaped basal leaves are up to 4 inches long and form the base for the nearly yearlong ...

Seeds of both varieties and mail-order seedlings can be bought at Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden (01424 838181; www.thecuttinggarden.com) and from Chiltern Seeds (01229 581137; www.chilternseeds.co.uk) ...

Scabiosa caucasica was introduced into Britain in 1803 after seed collected from the Caucasus was sent to the Hackney ... Buy six Scabiosa caucasica 'Clive Greaves' for £8.95 or 12 for £17.90 ...

Scabiosa “Butterfly Blue” is the most well-known and widely planted cultivar. It earned the prestigious Perennial Plant of the Year Award in 2000, assuring its overall vigor, heavy blooming ...

Seeds can be sown in autumn or spring and take about three weeks to germinate. Seedlings thrive in full sun or partial shade, easily self-seed and can also be grown from cuttings.