Wildflowers UK, bringing the British Countryside to you.

Perfect for pollinators

RHS Perfect for Pollinators.
The RHS Perfect for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects
in gardens. Bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies and many others visit flowers to feed on
nectar and pollen; while doing so they transfer pollen and increase seed set
and fruit development. Find out more at: rhs.org.uk/plants

To discover further wildflowers for Bees and other insects, simply enter the word "pollinators" into the search box above.

Centaurea nigra – Black Knapweed also known as Common Knapweed or Lesser Knapweed. In our experience Black Knapweed is one of the most competitive of all wildflowers and for that reason is perfect for introducing into fertile soils where it will often compete and grow well amongst tussocky grass. It also grows well on open ground and is well suited to clay and loam soils where there is plenty of sunlight.
Black Knapweed is a tall plant with a mauve flower that appears from June to September. Plants harbour a wide range of insect life such as Bees, Butterflies and Ladybirds and are often visited by birds such as goldfinches in search of the seeds.

Black Knapweed looks best growing with other summer flowering plants such as Oxeye daisies, Musk Mallow, Meadow Cranesbill and Field Scabious.


How to grow Black Knapweed from seed:

Sow Black Knapweed seeds in spring or autumn either outside where it is to flower, or in seed trays and cover lightly with compost. It is usually easy to germinate and the seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the year.


Summary
type - perennial, colour - Purple, height - 25 to 50cms, flowers June, July, August, September, habitat - Moist Grassland (Clay, Loams), Dry Grassland (clay, loam), Very dry Sandy Soil, Very Acidic Soil (Peats, Heaths), Attracts Birds and butterflies,