Overview
Knautia drymeia is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Knautia, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous or semi evergreen foliage. Knautia drymeia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Knautia drymeia is a clump-forming cultivar within the Knautia genus, which includes both annual and perennial species with simple or pinnately lobed foliage and flower heads similar to scabious. This plant is deciduous or semi-evergreen and thrives in full sun, ideally in south- or west-facing positions. It prefers well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, and is hardy to UK zone H7. Knautia drymeia is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders, offering interest through summer and autumn.
About the genus
Knautia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae. It includes 55 species native to Europe, North Africa, Western and Central Asia, and Siberia. The common names are variants of "widow flower".
Wikipedia contributors, "Knautia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Knautia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Knautia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Knautia drymeia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Knautia drymeia
- Propagation
- Seed in pots in a cold frame in spring,Basal softwood cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Knautia drymeia?
Knautia drymeia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Knautia drymeia need?
Knautia drymeia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Knautia drymeia hardy in the UK?
Knautia drymeia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Knautia drymeia?
Seed in pots in a cold frame in spring,Basal softwood cuttings in spring.
