Knautia macedonica
Macedonian scabious
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- Standard £5.95
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
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 it prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Support with twiggy pea sticks or brushwood well before the flowers appear. Cut down to the ground in autumn. To reduce the possibility of mildew, mulch with well rotted manure or compost in autumn and keep it well watered.
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.