Knautia 'Thunder & Lightning' ®

 

Overview of Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’

Before diving into the care details, here is a summary of this unique perennial's characteristics:

• Height: 50-70 cm (20-28 inches)
• Spread: 30-50 cm (12-20 inches)
• Flower Color: Deep purple
• Foliage: Variegated green with white edges
• Blooming Season: Mid-summer to early autumn
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5-9
• Preferred Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil

How to Plant Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’

1. Choosing the Right Location

The first step to success with Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’ is selecting the perfect spot in your garden:

• Sunlight: Knautia thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for best flowering results.
• Soil Conditions: Well-draining soil is crucial for Knautia. It prefers moderately fertile soil, but it can adapt to poorer soils as long as they don’t retain water. If your garden soil is heavy clay, consider adding grit or compost to improve drainage.

2. Planting Process

Here’s how to plant your Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’:

• Planting Time: Ideal to plant in early spring or early autumn.
• Depth: Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s root ball but only as deep as the root system.
• Spacing: Space plants 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches) apart to allow room for growth and air circulation.
• Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it settle into its new location.

Maintenance Tips for Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’

Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will benefit from some regular care to ensure it produces beautiful blooms throughout the growing season.

1. Watering

• Watering Schedule: Knautia prefers regular watering, especially in dry periods. Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Be careful not to overwater, as Knautia doesn’t like waterlogged roots.
• Mulching: Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, reducing the need for frequent watering.

2. Fertilization

• Fertilizing Needs: Knautia does not need heavy feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Over-fertilizing can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
• Soil Maintenance: Improve the soil’s nutrient content by working in organic matter like compost each year.

3. Deadheading and Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove faded or spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Pruning: In late autumn, cut back the plant’s stems to ground level to prepare it for winter. This will promote fresh growth in the following spring.

4. Supporting the Plant

• Staking: In exposed areas, taller plants may benefit from staking to prevent them from being damaged by strong winds. Install stakes early in the growing season to avoid disturbing roots later.

5. Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Knautia is relatively pest-free but can occasionally attract aphids. Use insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water to manage any infestations.
• Diseases: It is not highly prone to diseases but ensuring good air circulation around the plant will help prevent any fungal issues. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of mildew.

Seasonal Care Guide

Spring

• Planting: This is the perfect time to plant new Knautia or divide existing plants.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
• Watering: Begin regular watering as temperatures rise.

Summer

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period.
• Watering: Ensure the plant stays hydrated, especially during hot, dry spells.

Autumn

• Pruning: Cut back stems after flowering to tidy up the plant and prepare it for winter dormancy.
• Mulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to protect the roots through the colder months.

Winter

• Protection: In colder zones, you may want to add extra mulch or cover the base of the plant to provide some frost protection.

Key Maintenance Summary for Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’

• Height: 50-70 cm (20-28 inches)
• Spread: 30-50 cm (12-20 inches)
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Regular, but avoid waterlogging
• Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile
• Fertilizing: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in spring
• Pruning: Cut back in late autumn; deadhead regularly
• Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-free but watch for aphids

Conclusion

Knautia ‘Thunder & Lightning’ is an eye-catching perennial that offers a stunning combination of variegated foliage and deep purple flowers. It is a versatile addition to any garden, thriving in full sun or partial shade and requiring minimal maintenance. By following these care tips, you can enjoy its beauty and attract pollinators to your garden all summer long.

With regular watering, deadheading, and the occasional pruning, your Knautia will reward you with vibrant blooms, adding texture and color to borders, containers, or naturalistic garden settings.

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€6.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

 

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