Knautia macedonica

RHS Plant Profile
Macedonian scabious

Synonyms

Scabiosa rumelica

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial to 80cm in height, with pinnately-lobed, dark green basal leaves to 8cm long, and simple or lobed stem leaves, with a succession of deep crimson pincushion-like flowerheads 3-4cm across, from mid to late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous, Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Knautia can be annuals or perennials, and may have simple or pinnately lobed leaves and scabious-like flower-heads
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Romania, Balkans

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Spent flower stems can be cut down after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews