Which ornamental plants belong to the genus Scabiosa?

The genus Scabiosa is a group of approximately 30 species of annual and perennial herbs within the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), rather than the Dipsacaceae family as sometimes historically classified. Several species are popular as ornamental garden plants, commonly referred to as pincushion flowers.123

Notable ornamental species include:

• Pincushion flower (Scabiosa atropurpurea): Also known as sweet scabious, mourning bride, or garden scabious, this southern European annual produces fragrant flower heads in various colors, including white, rose, crimson, blue, and deep mahogany purple.2
• Small scabious (S. columbaria): Often called the dwarf pincushion flower, this perennial from Eurasia and Africa features light blue flowers and grows to about 60 cm in height.2
• Perennial scabious (S. caucasica): Native to southeastern Europe, this species is noted for its larger light blue flowers, which can reach up to 8 cm in diameter.2

It is important to note that while often associated with the name, the devil’s bit scabious belongs to the related genus Succisa rather than Scabiosa.2