Cephalaria alpina

In contrast with its name, Cephalaria alpina is not an alpine plant but a tall-growing scabious that’s only slightly more compact than Cephalaria giantea. It forms rosettes of hairy leaves from which strong, upright, branching stems of pale yellow pincushion flowers appear in summer. It’s perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and makes an excellent cut flower. Like all scabious, its blooms are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. Short-lived, it self-seeds readily. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Grow Cephalaria alpina in moist but well-drained soil in full sun - try growing it in drifts through lower-growing plants in a sunny border. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost and allow to develop seed.