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Herbaceous Perennial

Knautia macedonica 'Thunder and Lightning'PBR (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 Cream Green
Summer Purple Red Cream Green
Autumn Cream Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
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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