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Overview
Knautia macedonica is Macedonian scabious (crimson scabious), a deciduous perennial growing 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Crimson-red to deep burgundy-red pincushion-shaped flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on wiry branching stems from June through September — a 12-14 week bloom season. The crimson-red color is unusual among scabious relatives: most Scabiosa and Knautia species produce blue, lavender, or white flowers. Medium green basal leaves are deeply pinnately lobed 3-5 inches (7-13 cm); upper stem leaves are simpler and smaller. The wiry branching stems create an open airy habit. In the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), subfamily Dipsacoideae (formerly Dipsacaceae). Short-lived perennial: 2-4 years typical — self-sows freely on well-drained soil to maintain the population. Allow some seed heads to mature. Lean poor soil produces more compact growth; rich moist soil causes floppy open stems that require staking. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). 'Melton Pastels' is a seed strain with pink, salmon, and mauve color variants. Butterfly nectar source. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Full sun. Zones 5-8. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to the Balkans (North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria), growing on rocky slopes and dry meadows.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in cottage gardens, meadow plantings, and mixed borders in zones 5-8. The crimson-red flowers contrast with blue and silver companions. Butterfly nectar source. Short-lived — allow self-sowing. Lean soil for compact growth. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-September), lasting 12-14 weeks. Crimson-red pincushion flower heads. Deadhead for continuous bloom. Allow some seed set for self-sowing (short-lived). Butterfly nectar source.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rich crimson-red to deep burgundy-red, pincushion-shaped flower heads 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on wiry branching stemsFoliage Description
Medium green; basal leaves deeply pinnately lobed, 3-5 inches (7-13 cm); upper stem leaves simpler and smallerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun. Lean poor well-drained soil — rich moist soil causes floppy growth. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). Short-lived (2-4 years) — allow self-sowing. Deadhead for extended bloom. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Deadhead regularly through the bloom season (July). Cut back to the basal foliage in fall (October) after allowing some seed set. The wiry stems do not require staking on lean soil.Pruning Schedule
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summerfall