About
Seed-raised, clump-forming perennials to 90cm tall, with lance-shaped, dark green basal leaves, intricately divided stem leaves, and pincushion-like flower heads in a range of colours from deep red to mauve, pink and salmon, produced from early 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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun
PruningSpent flower stems can be cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews