Overview
Scabiosa humilis Thunb., also known as the Dwarf Pincushion, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Dipsacaceae. This plant is native to South Africa, where it grows naturally in the grasslands and fynbos regions.
Appearance
The Dwarf Pincushion is a low-growing plant that typically grows up to 20cm tall. It has a woody rootstock that sends out numerous slender stems. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed, dark green in color, and have a rough texture. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters at the end of each stem, and are small and globular in shape. The flowers have a pinkish-purple hue and have a unique pincushion-shaped appearance.
Common Names
The Dwarf Pincushion is also known by several other common names, such as the South African scabious, Bitterbos, Bergbitterbos, berg-bloubos, blouberg-bitterbos, blouberg-bitterwortel, and Kradouw.
Uses
The Scabiosa humilis Thunb. plant has several uses. It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also used for medicinal purposes, as it has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has also been used to make tea, which is believed to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
Light Requirements
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged periods of shade may result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in temperate climates with mild temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C and as high as 40°C but not for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it grows best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should retain moisture but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate dry conditions and is resistant to most pests and diseases.
The plant requires full sun or partial shade. If grown in a hot climate, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
Watering Needs for Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require regular watering. However, it is recommended to water the plant deeply at least once a week during the growing season. The plant prefers to stay on the dry side, so make sure the soil has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization for Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding some compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and better blooms. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two to three months.
Pruning for Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. does not require heavy pruning. Deadheading the spent blooms regularly can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Additionally, pruning back the stems in late summer or early fall can help promote a bushier, more compact growth habit.
Propagation of Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb. can be propagated in various ways including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most common method of propagating Scabiosa humilis. The seeds of Scabiosa humilis can be sown directly in the garden soil in spring or fall. The soil should be well-draining, rich, and loamy. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist until germination, which takes around 14-21 days. The seedlings should be thinned to a distance of 6 inches between each plant.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a vegetative method of propagating Scabiosa humilis. Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is most active. Take cuttings from the plant's stem tips, each measuring around 3-4 inches long, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormones and simply plant them in a pot filled with moistened potting soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and maintain a warm and bright environment. The cuttings should root in around 2-3 weeks and can be planted in the garden soil once they have turned into a fully grown plant.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another vegetative method of propagating Scabiosa humilis. In the fall or spring, carefully dig up the mature plants and divide them into individual sections. Each section should have healthy roots and at least one bud. Replant these divisions in rich and well-draining soil at the same depth as they were before. Water the soil thoroughly and maintain a slightly moist environment until the plant establishes itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Scabiosa humilis Thunb.
Scabiosa humilis Thunb., also known as small scabious or dwarf pincushion, is a hardy perennial plant that belongs to the Dipsacaceae family. Although this plant is relatively low-maintenance and seldom troubled by pests and diseases, there are some issues that might affect its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them:
Diseases
Scabiosa humilis is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can be susceptible to some fungal infections such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These can be caused by damp or humid weather or poor air circulation around the plant.
To manage powdery mildew, you can:
- improve air circulation by spacing the plants at least 30cm apart
- avoid overhead watering and water directly at the soil level instead
- apply fungicide sprays such as horticultural oil or bicarbonate of soda
Leaf spot is usually caused by the fungus Septoria scabiosicola. You can remove the affected leaves and dispose of them, or consider using fungicide sprays. For rust, remove the infected leaves, and apply a fungicide spray or improve ventilation.
Pests
Scabiosa humilis is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can be prone to attacks by snails and slugs. These pests can eat through the leaves and damage the plant.
To manage snails and slugs, you can:
- use physical barriers such as copper strips or eggshells around the plant
- use slug pellets, but use them sparingly and follow the instructions carefully
- encourage other predators such as birds and beetles to feed on the pests
Another potential pest is the leaf-mining fly, which lays its eggs on the plant. The larvae then burrow into the leaves and create tunnels, which can weaken the plant. To manage this pest, remove affected leaves and dispose of them.
