Divide crowded plants in the spring every three years or so to improve airflow and reduce competition for nutrients.
You can learn more about dividing perennials in our guide.
Cultivars to Select
K. macedonica is the species you will commonly find for sale for the home garden. In addition to the straight species, there are cultivated varieties, including:
Mars Midget
‘Mars Midget’ is a dwarf cultivar with rich red blossoms.
It’s an excellent choice for Zones 5 to 8 measuring 12 to 18 inches tall and wide.
Melton Pastels
‘Melton Pastels’ has variegated mauve, pink, and red flowers.
The variations add depth and visual appeal, drawing the eye into the garden to discern the distinctions.
Plants are best suited to Zones 5 to 8. Mature heights are 36 to 48 inches with a spread of 12 to 18 inches.
Red Knight
‘Red Knight’ boasts bright red blossoms that sizzle in summer gardens.
‘Red Knight’
Cultivate in Zones 5 to 9. Mature dimensions are 36 to 48 inches tall and about 16 inches wide.
‘Red Knight’ seeds are available from Hazzard’s Seeds via Amazon.
Thunder and Lightening
‘Thunder and Lightning’ is a dwarf cultivar with variegated green foliage with cream margins, and purplish-red blooms.
Cultivate this exciting option in Zones 5 to 8. Mature heights are 12 to 18 inches with an equal spread.
Propagation
You’ll need seeds, cuttings, or potted transplants from the nursery to start plants in your outdoor living space.
Let’s explore each method.
From Seed
You can choose to sow seeds in spring or in late summer or early fall. If you want to sow in spring, you will need to cold stratify the seeds first.
Here’s how:
- About three weeks before the last frost date of spring, wet a sturdy paper towel.
- Squeeze out most of the water so it is damp but not dripping.
- Open it up again and lay it flat.
- Sprinkle seeds in a single layer over the top half of the paper towel.
- Fold the bottom half of the paper towel up and over the seeds.
- Place the folded paper towel in a large zippered plastic bag, keeping the seeds in a flat, single layer.
- Press out extra air and zip the bag shut.
- Store in the refrigerator.
After the last frost date, sow the seeds outdoors in the garden or start seeds indoors in pots or trays.
Here’s how to sow cold stratified seeds:
- Work the soil to a depth of four to six inches until it is crumbly and debris-free.
- Push one or two seeds into the soil every 18 to 24 inches so the soil barely covers them.
- Water lightly.
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy during germination.
- When seedlings have several sets of true leaves, thin them as desired.
Alternatively, you can sow one seed in each cell of a seed starter tray filled with all-purpose potting soil. Maintain even moisture.
From Cuttings
In addition to seed propagation, you can take basal cuttings from existing plants in the spring.
To do this, cut straight down through non-flowering side shoots that emerge from the crown at the soil level where the stems and roots meet.
