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Herbaceous Perennial

Knautia macedonica 'Red Knight'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A clump-forming perennial to 90cm tall, with slender, branching stems. In mid and late summer it bears cherry-red, pincushion-like flowers to 3cm across; these are good for attracting pollinating insects

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous or Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Knautia can be annuals or perennials, and may have simple or pinnately lobed leaves and scabious-like flower-heads

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems in early winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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