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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 - 8Zone 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
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 weeksJ
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SummerFall
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rich crimson-red to deep burgundy-redFoliage Description
medium green; basal leaves deeply pinnately lobedGrowing 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