Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Black Knight'
A short-lived, clump forming herbaceous perennial with feathery divided mid-green leaves. Throughout summer and early autumn it produces pincushion-shaped flowers that rise on thin stems above the foliage. These are darkest burgundy, with almost black centres and white stamens.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Black | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Black | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Scabiosa can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and characteristic flower-heads with enlarged outer florets
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by division, or propagate by seed with gentle heat in spring.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back stems after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.