Knautia macedonica 'Thunder and Lightning'PBR (v)

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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Cream Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Red | Cream Green | ||
Autumn | Cream Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
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