knautia

Knautia macedonica, commonly known as Macedonian Knautia, requires regular watering when planted in a pot or container. Generally, water once a week either by hand in the morning or with a sprinkler system, however, always check the soil for dryness before watering. When touched, the soil should feel slightly moist, but not soggy. Avoid overwatering as this can cause waterlogging and root rot. During flowering, keep the Knautia evenly moist, as this will ensure a better display of blooms. In colder weather, reduce watering to every 2 weeks or when the soil begins to feel dry.

Knautia macedonica, or Macedonian Knautia, is an easy-to-care-for perennial wildflower native to rocky limestone areas of the Balkans. It has dark green foliage and produces small but deep purple flowers in late summer and early autumn. In terms of how much sunlight this species needs, it does well with full sun in the morning hours or part shade throughout the day. In terms of when it should receive sunlight, Knautia macedonica performs best when given about 6 - 8 hours of sunlight each day, from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Generally, temperatures between 65 - 75°F (18 - 24°C) are best for this species.

Pruning of Knautia macedonica should be done in late winter or early spring. The best time to prune is after the plant flowers, typically in late spring or early summer. If you prune Knautia macedonica too early in the season, it will reduce flowering. Pruning Knautia macedonica can help keep the plant neat and attractive, as well as encourage more flowering. To prune, cut back the stems, just above a pair of buds. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning, as the stems can irritate your skin. Avoid pruning too much, as this can weaken the plant. Aim to remove no more than 1 third of the stems.