Widow Flower 'Red Knight'

Widow Flower ‘Red Knight’ is a clump-forming Knautia macedonica selection with green foliage and cherry-red pincushion flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society describes plants reaching about 90cm, with flowers around 3cm wide in mid- to late summer. Its taller stems bring a loose, airy shape to sunny borders, provide cut flowers, and attract pollinating insects; place it where they can mingle through neighboring perennials without obscuring shorter plants. [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/244928/knautia-macedonica-red-knight/details). Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable textures and describes a mature height range of 0.5–1m, with spread of 0.1–0.5m. Established plants form clumps rather than running through a border. Seasonal flowering is concentrated in summer, with the RHS noting mid- to late-summer bloom. Good drainage and open spacing help maintain healthy foliage; aphids and powdery mildew are occasional issues for Knautia. ## Maintenance Remove faded flower stems to prolong the display and reduce unwanted seedlings. Cut back old stems in early winter or before spring growth resumes. Divide clumps when they become congested, and check foliage for aphids or powdery mildew.