Plant Type

Perennial, Biennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Red

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Knautia is a little perennial that burst on the scene in the 90's and remains a low-water garden staple. It is reminiscent of pincushion flower, with deeply lobed leaves of grey-green, and blossoms that are clusters of little flowers arranged in pincushion-like fashion. But unlike the pastels of scabiosa, knautia's flowers are a bold magenta to wine-red color. The plant foliage grows to about 12 or so inches, and the flowers are arranged on long, willowy stems another 8 to 12 inches above the foliage. Blooms most of the summer.

Grow in well drained soil and in full sun. Not particular to type, as long as it is well drained, though it does do well in looser soils. Deadheading will encourage reblooming in the fall. Like pincushion flower, they are a short-lived perennial, but if well sited will reseed in charming and improbable places. An excellent cut flower, either fresh or dried.