Cephalaria gigantea
giant scabious
A perennial forming a clump of pinnately lobed basal leaves, with tall, branched stems carrying light yellow flower-heads to 6cm across in summer
Other common names
yellow scabious
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Cephalaria are annuals or perennials with pinnately divided leaves and scabious-like flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus to Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Needs staking in exposed gardens.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring or propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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