Scabiosa
Scabiosa
“unfortunate love and remembrance”
Known as the pincushion flower for its domed centre bristling with pin-like stamens, scabiosa carried a melancholy message in Victorian floriography: unfortunate love and widowhood. The deep plum sort was even called 'mourning bride' and worn in remembrance. Modern florists have happily reclaimed it: its airy, wildflower charm and long wiry stems make it a favourite in relaxed wedding and garden-style work.
In season, and in the studio
Scabiosa is in season May to September, so it is in the studio this month. In the studio's bunches it is a secondary flower, the supporting cast that gives a bunch its shape and rhythm around the focal stem. The studio buys it in lavender, deep plum and white, and at the bench each colour is read for its own meaning.
What each colour says
- Lavenderquiet admiration
- Deep plumremembrance and mourning
- Whitepeace and pure intent
Right for
Arranges beautifully with
Pairings follow the florist's rule: one voice leads and the others frame it (focal, secondary, texture, green).