Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

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.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Cephalaria and wildlife

Cephalaria is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Cephalaria poisonous?

Cephalaria has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement