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Mourning Bride Wikimedia Commons
Caprifoliaceae

Mourning Bride

Scabiosa atropurpurea

Grief and remembrance.

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Genus
Scabiosa
Native to
Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
herbaceous
Height
2-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, alkaline to neutral
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
annual

Did you know

  • The name 'mourning bride' comes from the nearly black flowers of the darkest cultivars, resembling funeral attire.
  • In Victorian flower language, giving someone mourning bride flowers meant 'I have lost all.'
  • The pincushion-shaped flower heads have earned it the alternate name 'pincushion flower.'
  • Butterflies are strongly attracted to the honey-scented flowers, making it one of the best butterfly garden plants.
  • The genus name Scabiosa comes from the Latin for 'scabies,' as the plant was once used to treat skin conditions.

Color meanings

0

loss

1

mourning

2

unfortunate love

Uses

  • cut flowers
  • cottage gardens
  • butterfly gardens
  • border plantings