Merlot Red Scabiosa is a stunning open-pollinated flower that brings deep wine-red blooms to gardens across USDA zones 2 through 11. This compact cultivar of Scabiosa atropurpurea grows 24 to 36 inches tall and produces its distinctive pincushion flowers in 90 to 100 days, making it a reliable performer for gardeners seeking dramatic color and exceptional cut flowers. The unique coloring sets it apart in the garden, and its extended hardiness range means you can grow it almost anywhere in North America.
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Moderate
2-11
36in H x ?in W
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High
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Deep wine-red flowers that resemble a full wine glass bring drama and sophistication to any garden or arrangement. The compact growth habit means you won't need sprawling space to enjoy weeks of cutting-quality blooms. Its hardiness across zones 2 through 11 is exceptional for a flower variety, allowing gardeners in cold climates and warm regions alike to grow it reliably. Reaching only 24 to 36 inches tall, it's at home in both garden beds and containers, flowering abundantly from midsummer onward.
Merlot Red Scabiosa excels as a cut flower, producing long-stemmed blooms that hold their color beautifully in the vase and command attention in fresh arrangements. The pincushion-like flower heads work wonderfully in mixed bouquets where their deep wine tone provides contrast and sophistication alongside lighter flowers. For those interested in dried flowers, the seed heads can be harvested and preserved for long-lasting arrangements.
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Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Barely cover the seeds since light aids germination; you can even leave them uncovered or just press them lightly into moist seed-starting mix. In the greenhouse, maintain temperatures of 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C) to prevent seedlings from becoming tall and leggy. Transplant seedlings to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear.
Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outside after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants 9 inches apart.
Direct seed can be sown in succession every 2 to 3 weeks until late spring for continuous blooms and highest-quality flowers. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface to ensure light reaches them.
Cut flowers when they are almost fully open for use in fresh arrangements, selecting stems in the morning when they are fully hydrated. Removing spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season. For seed head preservation and drying, harvest when the seed heads are light green with dark bronze edges and the star-shaped centers are just beginning to turn black. Timing is important: if you wait until the centers have fully darkened or begun to fall out, the delicate seed head will shatter and lose its ornamental value.
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