'Butterfly Blue' is a cultivar of S. columbaria , otherwise known as the pincushion flower. The plant is an herbaceous perennial with a compact and clumping habit, delicate foliage, bright lavender-blue flowers, and a relatively small size for the species. It will often bloom continuously from April until the first frost in the fall. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The genus name comes from the Latin scabies, meaning 'the itch' in reference to the plant's rough leaves. The species columbaria means "dove-like" in reference to the white blossoms. Grow in rich, neutral soil high in organic matter and provide good drainage, as it will not tolerate wet feet or excess moisture, especially in the winter. Plant in a site with full sun. It is tolerant of occasional drought once established, and you can deadhead expired blossoms to encourage reblooming. Cut back large stems to encourage new growth from the base. 'Butterfly Blue' is a bushy ornamental with a long blooming season, which is perfect for the front of a border or in a container on a patio or deck. Consider planting in masses or groups to attract pollinators. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids and mites are minor issues. To prevent root rot, ensure that this plant is situated in an area with good drainage. Due to its long stalk, this plant may need support or staking to keep an upright habit.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheOriganum laevigatumSyringa Bloomerang® GroupSyringa pubescens subsp. pubescens
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches; 12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Mounding
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf arrangement
Rosulate
Leaf shape
Oblong; Pinnatifid; Spatulate
Leaf margin
Lobed; Serrate
Leaf feel
Soft
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Gray-green finely cut leaves are variable in shape, but most have deep lobes and toothed margins.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Good Cut; Long Bloom Season
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Two inch showy lavender-blue flowers that bloom from May to September, or longer. Slightly dome-shaped 1 inch flower heads on long, delicate stems above the foliage. The flower heads are made up of small, tubular flowers.