How big does Macedonian scabious grow?

About 80 cm × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 45–80 cm × 45–70 cm.

Is Macedonian scabious hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). In the colder parts of the country (Podlaskie Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Macedonian scabious toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

When does Macedonian scabious flower?

Flowering: June–September, red, purple.

How much water does Macedonian scabious need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Macedonian scabious

Knautia macedonica

Macedonian scabious (Knautia macedonica) is a perennial that reaches 80 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 19.

Illustration of Macedonian scabious — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Macedonian scabious carries dark crimson pincushion flowers on long, thin, branching stems from early summer into early autumn, and bees, hoverflies and butterflies love them. Plant it in sun in well-drained, rather lean, neutral or limy soil: there it copes well with summer dry spells, but not with standing water. It is a short-lived perennial that renews itself from seed, and deadheading regularly keeps it flowering longer.

Watch out for

It is short-lived: in heavy soil that stays wet in winter the crown can rot, so good drainage matters most. In rich or heavy clay soil it grows tall and flops and needs support, while lean soil keeps it compact. Powdery mildew can appear in late summer and aphids may attack it. In hot, humid summers it can decline by late summer. It self-seeds readily.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, red, purple

All details

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	45–80 cm × 45–70 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, red, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 19

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 19

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 19, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Plants that are non-toxic to children Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials

Guide on the topic

A perennial border that flowers all summer: plants, layout, numbers A perennial border flowers from spring to autumn when its backbone is long-flowering perennials that bloom from June to September (catmint, woodland sage, coneflower, yarrow, Russian sage, gaura), with bulbs around them for spring and Japanese anemone, sedum and asters for autumn. Plant in groups of 3-7, tall at the back, low at the front; on average you need 5-7 plants per square metre. The calendars show the hardy perennials for a sunny spot that shops in your country sell most widely, with the price per plant.

Looks good next to it

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Japanese sedge

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