Knautia macedonica

Macedonian scabious

Eventual height & spread

Knautia macedonica

Macedonian scabious

  • 9cm pot
  • £8.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × 9cm pots
  • £14.95 £4.98 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 2 litre pot
  • £19.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × 2 litre pots
  • £49.99 £16.66 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • approx 40 seeds
  • £3.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Next/Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
  • Rate of growth: average
  • Flowering period: July to September
  • Hardiness: fully hardy


Deep crimson, and occasionally pink, pincushion-like flowers are held high on slender, branched stems from July to September.

This popular, airy perennial brings long-lasting colour to a mixed or herbaceous border. It's best planted in a well-drained soil in full sun and supported with twiggy pea sticks, since it has a tendency to sprawl.

Although Knautia macedonica prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies.


  • Garden care:
    Knautia thrives in full sun with well-drained soil that has been prepared with well-rotted compost. Before the flowers appear, support the plant with twiggy pea sticks or brushwood to prevent flopping.

    In autumn, cut the plant down to the ground and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to reduce the risk of mildew and retain moisture. Keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and prolonged flowering.

    Good airflow around plant will reduce risk of mildew (as will keeping well watered during dry periods).


  • Sowing instructions:
    Knautia seeds require a period of moisture and cold to germinate and are easiest sown into pots in late autumn and left outside over winter for spring germination.

    Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C).

    When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out.


  • Sow: February to May
  • Goes well with