Pincushion Flower

"Pincushion flower" is a rather whimsical common name for Scabiosa columbaria. "First glance will tell you how this plant got the common name of Pincushion Flower," remarks Marie Iannotti. "As the flowers open, they look like little cushions with pins sticking out."

If ever a plant needed a nice common name, it's Scabiosa -- a name that doesn't exactly evoke pleasing images. But there's nothing displeasing about pincushion flower's blue or pink blossoms. Provide it with enough sun, and pincushion flower should flourish with little effort on your part. If you don't mind a little extra work and you want it to re-bloom, just deadhead pincushion flower.