Description
Knautia –
There are 60 species of annuals and perennials in this genus. Found from limestone grassland, scrub, and woodland in Europe, Caucasus, Russia, and North Africa. They have over wintering rosettes of simple to pinnatifid basal leaves, and opposite pairs of stem leaves, which are pinnatifid or simple. Tall stems bear cup shaped involucres of bracts, surrounding dense, bluish lilac or reddish purple flower heads. They are attractive to bees. Grow in a herbaceous border, cottage garden, or wild garden.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun or part shade.
Prone to aphids.
K. macedonica – Scabiosa rumelica – This clump forming perennial found from Central Balkans into Russia grows 24-32” tall and 18” wide. From slender, branched stems it carries pinnatifid basal leaves, to 3” long, each with a large terminal lobe, and simple or pinnatifid stem leaves ¾-6” long. Numerous long lasting, deep purple-red, occasionally pale pink or white flower heads, ½-1 ¼” across, with softly bristly, involucres bracts, are borne in mid and late summer.
Zones 5-9
