Knautia macedonica, Macedonian Scabious
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Perennials

Knautia macedonica

Macedonian Scabious

Caprifoliaceae

Balkans (North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height18-30 inches (45-75 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming, short-lived perennial in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to meadows and rocky slopes of the Balkans (North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria). Plants form a basal rosette of deeply pinnately lobed leaves, with branching, wiry stems 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall bearing smaller, simpler stem leaves. From early summer through fall, the slender, well-branched stems produce a long succession of pincushion-like flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across of small florets in rich crimson-red to deep burgundy-red — an unusually intense red for a pincushion flower. Each flower head is held on a long, slender stem above the foliage and has a delicate, airy quality despite the saturated color. Plants bloom prolifically over 8–12 weeks and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Short-lived (often 2–4 years) but self-seeds reliably in suitable conditions.

Native Range

Native to the Balkans — primarily North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria — growing in dry to moderately moist meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodland edges, typically on well-drained, calcareous or neutral soils in full sun.

Suggested Uses

Planted in dry perennial borders, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The airy, wiry habit weaves naturally between other plants. The intense crimson-red is effective against silver foliage (artemisias, stachys) and in combinations with blue, white, and yellow flowers. A reliable long-bloomer for cutting — individual stems last 5–7 days in water.

How to Identify

Identified by wiry, well-branched stems 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall bearing pincushion-like flower heads 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across in rich crimson-red to deep burgundy-red on long, slender stalks. The intense, saturated red color combined with the pincushion form and delicate, airy habit is distinctive. Basal leaves are deeply pinnately lobed; stem leaves are simpler and smaller.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red
crimson
burgundy

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks
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SummerFall
Blooms June through September in zones 5–8, with peak bloom July–August. The long succession of flowers over 8–12 weeks is one of the plant's chief virtues. Deadheading spent flower heads prolongs bloom and reduces self-seeding. Cutting plants back by one-third in midsummer can stimulate a fresh flush of growth and continued bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

rich crimson-red to deep burgundy-red

Foliage Description

medium green; basal leaves deeply pinnately lobed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandchalkrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5–8.0. Rich or consistently moist soils produce lax growth prone to flopping. Tolerates drought once established. No staking required in lean, well-drained soils; plants flop in rich or moist conditions. Allow some plants to self-seed to replace aging specimens — short-lived perennial that needs periodic renewal from seedlings. Thin self-sown seedlings to 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Plants may need replacing every 3–4 years.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower heads regularly to prolong bloom and limit self-seeding where not wanted. Cut back by one-third in midsummer if bloom diminishes, to stimulate a fresh flush. Leave some plants to self-seed for natural replacement of aging crowns. Cut to ground in late fall or early spring. Do not divide — propagate by allowing self-seeding or from basal cuttings in spring.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic