Origin:  Native to northern Africa, southern Europe and western Asia
Family:  Dipsacaceae  (Teasel)
Light:  Full sun
Height:  2-3'
Spacing:  6-9"
Blooms:  Fragrant, long blooming, showy, violet and maroon, spiky, ruffled petals, on long penducle, mid-Summer
Foliage:  Herbaceous, pinately-dissected
Soil:  Well-drained, rich, mildly alkaline, neutral, drought tolerant
Water:  Regular
Uses:  Xeriscapiing, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, beds, cut fresh flowers
Propagation:  Seeds  (Direct sow in Fall before last frost or Spring)
Insects/Disease:  Nnne

Comments:  Scabiosa atropurpurea or Mourning Bride or Mourning Widow or Pincushion Flower or Sweet scabious or Scabiosa maritima is a tropical tender perennial with an erect growth habit.  It is a native of northern Africa, southern Europe and western  Asia.  In mid-Summer, Scabiosa atropurpurea produces long peduncles of terminal showy spiky, ruffle-petaled, fragrant flowerheads of maroon and purple colors, followed later by seeds.  Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are magnetized by the nectar-rich blossoms.  Remove spent flowers to promote extra blooms.  Mourning Widow is very attractive and the freshly cut flowers look spectacular in bouquets. Scabiosa maritima is easily propagated from seeds.  It thrives best in well-drained, rich, mildly alkaline or neutral soil in a sunny environment.  Sweet Scabiosa is low maintenance.  It tolerates drought conditions, hence is ideal for xeriscaping.  Mass plant Scabiosa maritima in flower beds or grow them with lighter colored plants for a terrific contrasting display.  It can also be container cultivated for the sunny deck or patio.  Mourning Bride is grown as an annual in colder areas.  The flowers have been popularly used in funerals by the Portugese.  This Mediterranean herb was once sought after for use as a medicine.  Sweet scabious is eye-catching and attracts many foot traffic.  It's unique, oranate-looking flowers are a welcoming sight in Jenny's Garden.

USDA Zones:  9-11