The genus name Scabiosa comes from the Latin word “scabies”, meaning “the itch” because the plant was believed to cure scabies, a skin infection.

Scabiosa is a genus in the honeysuckle family of flowering plants. It’s sometimes known as the pincushion flower for its pretty blooms. The common name “Pincushion Flower” refers to the appearance of the flower: the center of the flower resembles a pincushion, while the stamens in the center look like pins.

Beloved since the early 1600s in England, the beaded buds open to a sumptuous puff of a flower that resembles satin pincushions studded with white-tipped pins. Sweet scabious’s honey-scented pincushion blooms and decorative beaded buds are a joy to add to bouquets and floral designs, for they look pristine just when earlier bloomers start to fade.

These gorgeous, long-stem flowers are very attractive, elegant, and full of charm, and can be used as a filler or a focal flower.

Scabiosa symbolism: Scabiosa symbolizes love, purity, and peace.