About
Clump-forming perennial, a dwarf form to 40cm in height, with pinnately-lobed basal leaves and finely dissected stem leaves, with a succession of deep purplish-red pincushion-like flowerheads 3-4cm across, from mid-summer to autumn.
About the genus
Knautia can be annuals or perennials, and may have simple or pinnately lobed leaves and scabious-like flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen, Deciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun
PruningDead head to prolong flowering cut back stems in autumn or spring just before new growth appears
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring, or take basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews