Is Knautia macedonica easy to grow?
Knautia is an easy, long-blooming perennial in the garden. These beautiful plants display large amounts of dark pink to almost red pin-cushion blooms that are a little smaller than those of the Scabiosa plant. The foliage of growing Knautia plants is light and cut beautifully. The wine-red, pincushion-like flowers of crimson pincushion (Knautia macedonica) bloom continuously from early summer through late fall. This short-lived perennial thrives in full sun and dryish soils. The flowers are great for use as fresh-cut or dried flowers, and the nectar is a favorite of bees and butterflies.
Can you take cuttings from Knautia macedonica?
Knautia can be propagated by basal stem cuttings in spring. Find several strong, basal shoots (originating from the crown) around 10-12cm long. With sharp secateurs or a knife, sever cleanly from as close to the base as possible. Put them in a plastic bag straight away to prevent drying out. Knautia is perfect for the middle of the border where it adds texture to landscape beds. Don’t overlook it for container gardens, though — knautia grows well in pots, too! And because it’s a deer-resistant plant, you can grow it in just about any sunny spot. Grow knautia in a spot with full sun or partial shade.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.Grow Knautia macedonica in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil in full sun. It may need staking as it has a tendency to sprawl.