Macedonian Scabious
knautia macedonica
Also known as: ["Macedonian Scabious","Red Scabious"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant with deep red, pincushion-like flowers that attract pollinators.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Dipsacaceae |
| Genus: | Knautia |
| Botanical Name: | Knautia macedonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soil but benefits from compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during blooming season; prune lightly in early spring if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates heat but may require more water.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before new growth emerges; stop fertilizing in late summer to encourage winter hardiness.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer for stem cuttings; early spring or fall for division or seeds.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag or dome.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; trim back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; prune lightly to maintain shape and air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean blades.
Checklist
Deadhead regularly; prune in early spring if needed; clean tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn purple or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in winter.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with row covers; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Knautia prefers lean soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicKnautia macedonica is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicKnautia macedonica is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicKnautia macedonica is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. The plant is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Knautia macedonica grow?
A: It typically grows to 60–90 cm (24–35 inches) in height.
Q: Does Knautia macedonica require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Knautia macedonica deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its texture and taste.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Dipsacaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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