Flowers
Knautia macedonica 'Melton Pastels'
Macedonian Scabious
Rich ruby, candy-pink and white pincushion blooms are borne freely throughout summer, on erect wiry semi-leafless stems. These perennials are much loved by bees and butterflies, and are supported by heavily lobed, arrow-shaped green leaves. Excellent for naturalised plantings, and as a cut flower.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun to Partial Sun
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 45cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Seeds need winter cold exposure to germinate, so easiest sown in-situ Sep-Nov for germination the following spring. Surface sow seeds into soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Keep well-watered and thin out to 50cm between plants. Sow under cover Feb-May, seeds may need a period of cold stratification to germinate - expose seeds to ~4°C for about 4 weeks before sowing. When seedlings are large enough, transplant into pots and acclimatise before planting into final growing locations. Prefers alkaline soils with good drainage.
Aftercare
Cut old stems down to the ground, leaving younger stems to continue flowering.
Gallery
Ref. SEK004