I visited one of my favourite places yesterday, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardens at Harlow Carr.  I took a photo of the Knautia macedonica growing alongside a gravel path.  I grow the variety 'Mars Midget' which, as indicated by the name, is much shorter.  While the flower heads are only an inch or two (2.5-5cm) across, the rich red colour makes them stand out against foliage and I have read that this plant flowers longer than any other.  Whether that is true or not, I do not know but it's encouraging for my little garden.  The Knautia at the RHS was taller, at about 60cm+ high and made a pretty picture, particularly as the plant's seed heads are like little pompoms.



Knautia macedonica at the RHS Gardens, Harlow Carr



Knautia macedonica seed head

 The seed heads look a little bit like the developing flower buds except that the buds are flatter. 



Knautia macedonica 'Mars Midget'

The label that I received with my Knautia Mars Midget says that there is an abundance of plum-crimson, pin-cushion like flowers from June to September.  Mars Midget has a dwarf, clump forming growth habit.  Grey-green foliage dies down in winter to return the following year.   It is hardy to -15C.  It likes a sunny position in well-drained soil.  It achieves a height and spread of 60cm (24in) x 30cm (12in and is attractive to bees and butterflies.  Removing the dead flower heads prolongs flowering. That seems such a shame as the seed heads are so pretty!