Knautia macedonica 'Melton Pastels' (Macedonian Scabious) – Hardy Perennial (Set of 3 or 6)

Knautia macedonica 'Melton Pastels' carries small pincushion flowers on wiry stems through the whole of summer.

The mix runs from dusky pink and mauve through deep crimson to soft white, held on tall branching stems above a low rosette of mid green lobed leaves. Plants reach around 60 to 80cm tall and 45 to 60cm across, with flowers from June into September, and bees and butterflies work them all day. The loose, informal habit suits a mixed border, a meadow style planting or the gaps between shrubs, and it is at its best planted in drifts.

Supplied as established plants in 1 litre pots, ready to plant out. Give them an open, sunny spot with free draining ground: knautia flops and picks up mildew in shade or on rich damp soil, so a sunny position is the one thing worth getting right. Once settled it copes well with dry spells, needs little attention beyond deadheading, and cuts well for the house.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Macedonian scabious, knautia
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approximately 60 to 80cm tall and 45 to 60cm across
• Growth Habit: Clump forming and upright, with wiry branching stems
• Perfect For: Cottage borders, meadow style planting, wildlife gardens, cutting
• Foliage: Mid green, lobed basal leaves
• Flowering Time: June to September
• Planting Position: Full sun, in free draining ground, and dry once established
• Soil Type: Well drained; tolerates most soils including chalk and alkaline ground
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Low. Deadhead through the season to keep it flowering and cut the old stems back in late autumn or early spring. It is short lived and may need replacing after a few years.
• Seasonal Interest: Summer and autumn
• Type: Hardy herbaceous perennial