About
A clump-forming perennial to 40cm tall, with slender, branching stems and striking cream-margined, pale green leaves. In mid- and late summer it bears purple-red, pincushion-like flowers to 3cm across; these are good for attracting pollinating insects.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
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, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun
PruningCut back spent flower stems in early winter
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