Knautia

Typically upright and airy, Knautia plants produce slender stems topped with rounded flower heads in shades of cream, mauve, pink, crimson or purple. The foliage is soft and often lightly hairy, forming a low clump at the base which often overwinters.

Knautia thrive in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soils. They do especially well where competition is low and conditions are open. Deadheading prolongs the flower display.

Heavy, waterlogged soils and overly shady positions can lead to weak, floppy growth and reduced flowering. Poor airflow may encourage mildew.

The field scabious (Knautia arvensis), native to Great Britain and Ireland, is a magnet for marbled white and meadow brown butterflies.