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This is, at first glance, a very large plant with a height and spread of over 2 metres. However, Cephalaria gigantea magically manages to lend an ‘airy’ feel to your planting with flowers up to 7cm across held on long, strong stems to gently wave in summer breezes. Foliage is held in deeply cut rosettes and has a captivating anise aroma to enhance the sensory impact. Also known as giant scabious, Cephalaria is a flowering plant in the same family as teasel, honeysuckle, and yes – scabious. Plants are easy going and great for cutting to add to a vase. The word ‘cephale’ means ‘head’ in Greek and relates to the large, delicately coloured pincushion flowers borne in succession throughout the summer. Plant Cephalaria gigantea in a well-drained soil of any kind and position in full sun or partial shade. A fully hardy, semi-evergreen perennial which reaches a mature height and spread of up to 2.5m in optimum conditions.
Key Information
| Latin Name | Cephalaria gigantea |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Giant Scabious |
| Hardiness | H7 (-20°C and below) |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Format | 9cm Pots |
| Position | Full-Sun, Part-Shade, Part-Sun |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Height in Maturity (m) | 2.50 m |
| Spread in Maturity (m) | 2.50 |
| Soil Conditions | Chalk Clay Loam Sand |
| Soil Acidity | Acid Alkaline Neutral |
| Aspect | East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing |
| Good for pots | Yes |
| Good for pollinators | Yes |
| Good for cutting | Yes |
