About
Clump-forming perennial, about 80-90cm tall, with pinnately-lobed, basal dark green leaves, and finely dissected stem leaves, with a succession of long-lasting, bright purple pincushion-like flowerheads 3-4cm across, in mid and late summer.
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
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, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in 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