I had been looking for a long blooming, hardy perenial that could withstand a sun & shade mix (garden facing north) and intense sun/heat in July & August.
I researched it and found that the Scabiosa or Pin Cushion flower met that criteria. Blooming from early spring to frost...a profusion of blue flowers...very hardy...heat & disease tolerant...no known pests. I read reviews from probably 20 people who raved about their performance in similar conditions & zones as mine.
I got four plants and planted them in the spring and they took off and looked great for 6-8 weeks. By mid-July they were done blooming and now the foliage is drying up and is practically gone on a couple of the plants.
Is this common for the first year and they will do better with maturity? Is this unusual and sounds like a disease or pest got them? Or, did I do something wrong? Will they come back next year?