More on Knautia macedonica
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: More on Knautia macedonica
- From: K* W*
- Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1999 11:05:34 -0500
- References: <645cfddc.368caf6b@aol.com>
I am pleased to see this discussion on Knautia macedonica and would
like to add a few more comments.
I first sought out this plant when infatuated (as I still am) with
perennials of its particular hue: a deep, rich maroon. This was
perhaps 10 years ago and it still thrives in various locations in our
Zone 4 garden, both in full sun and in light shade.
It shares its close affinity to Scabiosa ( it was once classified in
the same genus) in its long flowering. Unlike many perennials that
have this wonderful long blooming habit, it is not short lived and
only mildly self sows in our gardens.
As mentioned, it does indeed flower the first year from seed, is an
easy, warm germinator and its only fault in life seems to be the
rather scraggly habit of growth and unnattractive foliage; both easily
overcome by proper placement with other perennials.
Do not be disuaded from growing it by its normal Zone 6 or 7
designation; as I can confirm it is bone hardy even in Zone 3. My seed
customers in the coldest of the Canadian prairies never cease writing
to tell me that this has been one of their toughest plants over the
years.
As to the seed, this is a plant where the seeds need to be collected
while they still "appear" green, an abberation from the normal seed
collecting rules. A fair amount of the seed will be flat and devoid of
embryos, but it should be easy to tell as you roll the seeds in your
fingers which ones are hard, chubby and well formed. The test of
readiness is when you touch the flower head and the remnants easily
roll into your hands. The color will usually be green to very light
beige. Sow in seed starting mix in January to March and keep at warm
temperatures. The seedlings will be ready to be planted out in May and
should start blooming by mid season.
Kristl
Gardens North Seed
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