Knautia macedonica ‘Red’ is a delightful little plant closely related to Scabiosa. It is a low growing plant (40 x 50cm) with a basal leaf formation. The leaves are dark green and heavily lobed. The pincushion flowers are deep crimson, 3cm in diameter and held atop long arching stems over the early summer months.
The Red Macedonian Rose likes part to full sun with a moist but well drained soil and an annual feed with Osmocote. It is tolerant of moderate frosts and will grow well in most parts of Australia. It makes a good border plant for a Penstemon or Lavender garden and can be interplanted with Heuchera for a mosaic effect.
Knautia macedonica ‘Red’ is a recent selection from the UK introduced by Larkman Nurseries. Suggested companion plants are: Oenothera ‘Sunset Boulevard’, Papaver ‘Tangerine Gem’ Sisyrinchium ‘Devon Skies’, Lavender Impressions and Lavandula ‘Snowball’
