Knautia macedonica
Macedonian scabious
Deep crimson, and occasionally pink, pincushion-like flowers are held high on slender, branched stems from July to September.
This popular, airy perennial brings long-lasting colour to a mixed or herbaceous border. It's best planted in a well-drained soil in full sun and supported with twiggy pea sticks, since it has a tendency to sprawl.
Although Knautia macedonica prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
This popular, airy perennial brings long-lasting colour to a mixed or herbaceous border. It's best planted in a well-drained soil in full sun and supported with twiggy pea sticks, since it has a tendency to sprawl.
Although Knautia macedonica prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
How to care for Knautia macedonica:
Knautia thrives in full sun with well-drained soil that has been prepared with well-rotted compost. Before the flowers appear, support the plant with twiggy pea sticks or brushwood to prevent flopping.
In autumn, cut the plant down to the ground and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to reduce the risk of mildew and retain moisture. Keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and and prolonged flowering.
In autumn, cut the plant down to the ground and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to reduce the risk of mildew and retain moisture. Keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and and prolonged flowering.
Sowing instructions:
Knautia seeds require a period of moisture and cold to germinate and are easiest sown into pots in late autumn and left outside over winter for spring germination.
Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C).
When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out.
Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C).
When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
