Knautia Macedonica | Macedonian Scabious

Deep crimson, pincushion-like flowers are held high on slender, branched stems from June to September. This popular, airy perennial brings long-lasting colour to a mixed or herbaceous border. It's best planted in well-drained soil in full sun and supported with twiggy pea sticks, since it has a tendency to sprawl. Although it prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies. Growing instructions: Knautia seeds require a period of moisture and cold to germinate and are easiest sown into pots in late autumn and left outside over winter for spring germination. Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C). When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out. Sow: February to May Flowering: June to September