Knapweeds are typical country-garden plants which grow strongly and bloom reliably. The flowers are good both for cutting fresh and for drying.
Knapweeds are versatile and adaptable plants. They provide a dashing border display yet are easy to care for, which makes them ideal for busy gardeners.
There are several species of knapweed, but all have similar flowers: a rounded base with slender, coloured petals in florets (small flowers together on a flower-head). There are several different flower colours and all attract many insects.
Which knapweed?
Elegant C. montana goes well with lupins in an early summer border. Its dense mat of green leaves supports floppy stems topped with large, feathery cornflower blooms.
• C. dealbata is a larger plant, with lilac-pink flowers among grey-green leaves. It is easy to grow and free flowering, but needs staking.
• C. hypoleuca has large, cream-centred rosy flowers and pale leaves which are delightful on their own. It blooms a second time in autumn. Removing the flower-heads as they fade
ensures it is seldom out of flower all summer. The pretty seed heads look like silver daisies.
• C. macro cephala has large golden flowers on tall, thick stems, which make handsome dried flowers.
Growing from seed
You can raise knapweed from seed.
• Sow seeds in April in a cold frame.
• Move them to a nursery row for the summer.
• Plant out in the flowering position in autumn or the following spring.
Planting and care
Plant nursery-bought specimens out in October or March in a reasonably fertile, well-drained site. Find a sunny or partially shaded spot. Avoid windy sites for larger species or you will have to stake them.
Knapweed grows particularly well on chalky soil. It spreads quickly if given a good position.