Overview
Knautia macedonica is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Knautia, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Knautia macedonica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage gardens, wildlife areas and naturalistic planting schemes. It is native to Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania and Türkiye-in-Europe.
About
Knautia macedonica, the Macedonian scabious, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to Southeastern Europe: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, southeastern Romania and Kırklareli in Turkey. Growing to 75 cm (30 in), this herbaceous perennial produces rich red "pincushion" flowers, similar to those of its close relative scabious (Scabiosa), on slender upright stems throughout summer. Knautia macedonica is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Knautia macedonica
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 macedonica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage gardens, Wildlife areas, Naturalistic planting schemes
- Native to
- Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Türkiye-in-Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Knautia macedonica
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for chalk, loam, and sand soils; grows well in exposed or sheltered locations; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Knautia macedonica?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for chalk, loam, and sand soils; grows well in exposed or sheltered locations; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Knautia macedonica?
Knautia macedonica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Knautia macedonica need?
Knautia macedonica 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.
How do I prune Knautia macedonica?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back in late autumn or early spring to promote fresh growth.
How big does Knautia macedonica grow?
Knautia macedonica reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Knautia macedonica hardy in the UK?
Knautia macedonica 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 macedonica?
Seed, Basal cuttings.
More in the Knautia genus
Browse all Knautia →
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