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). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

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.

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

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	no data

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

Frequently asked questions

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

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