Buy Macedonian scabious Knautia macedonica

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.

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 prolonged flowering.

Good airflow around plant will reduce risk of mildew (as will keeping well watered during dry periods).

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.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

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.