Description

Lesser Knapweed Centaurea nigra

Common names include common knapweed and black knapweed.

With distinctive reddish purple thistle-like flowers, this easy-to-grow perennial wildflower species makes a striking addition to your garden or meadow.

Ideal for wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, informal cottage gardens and flower beds and borders, lesser knapweed has a long flowering season from early summer to September.

It is excellent for the wildlife in your garden; its nectar is a food source for hoverflies, honey bees and bumblebees, and for moths and butterflies such as painted ladies, small skippers and chalkhill blues. It has large edible seeds which, in the autumn, are enjoyed by many birds including goldfinches.

Sow lesser knapweed in the spring from March to May, or in autumn from August to October.

All our native wildflower seed is sourced from stock grown in the wild in Britain.  It is then multiplied up commercially and packed in the UK so you can be confident you are buying native British wildflower seed.