Knautia

Knautia macedonica

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately-fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Deep crimson, 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 it prefers alkaline soil, it will thrive in neutral soil, too. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
  

• Garden care: Support with twiggy pea sticks or brushwood well before the flowers appear. Cut down to the ground in autumn. This plant is susceptible to powdery mildew. To help prevent this, mulch with well rotted manure or compost in autumn and keep it well watered.