Knautia aka Scabiosa, commonly called Widow flower, Blue buttons, Field scabious, Pincushion flower, are annuals and perennials from limestone grassland, scrub, and woodlands in Europe, Caucasus, Russia (Siberia) and N. Africa. The flower represents the pincushion blooms of Scabiosa and are long lasting. May self seed under optimal conditions. Plant in areas protected from the wind.
USES: Herbaceous border, Cottage gardens, Wildflower gardens, Cut flower gardens, Bee & butterfly gardens, Dried flowers, Perennial gardens, Attracts hummingbirds, Mass plantings, Meadows, Naturalized areas
Botanical Name: Knautia macedonica ‘Red Cherries’, ‘Red Knight’
Common Name: Field scabious, Macedonian scabious, Mazedonische Witwenblume, Skabiose
Synonym: Scabiosa rumelica
Type: Clump forming, slender, branched stem Perennial
Flower Color: Numerous, long lasting, double, almost globular, bright crimson flower heads. 1-2 in. (3-5cm) across
Flowering Time: July to October
Plant Height: 3 ft. (90cm)
Plant Width: 18 in. (45cm)
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Water Requirements: Requires consistently moist soil. Do not let dry out between waterings
Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, preferably alkaline, well drained soil
USDA Zone: 5-9
AHS Heat Zone: 9-5
Hardiness Degree: -20°F (-28.8°C)
