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Cephalaria gigantea

Giant scabious

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Flowers
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

Botanical name: Cephalaria gigantea
Common name: Giant scabious
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Plant Type: Perennial

Giant scabious, Cephalaria gigantea makes a dramatic, yet informal, statement in the border, bearing stout, upright stems from which pale primrose-yellow scabious flowers attract a wealth of pollinators. Although tall, Cephalaria gigantea isn’t overbearing – its finely cut, aromatic leaves and stems are airy, allowing for growing in a range of planting schemes. It looks good at the back of a big herbaceous border, among large shrubs or trees in a mixed border, or in a light woodland clearing. It’s informal look makes it perfect for a cottage garden.

Grow Cephalaria gigantea in rich, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or part shade. In a sheltered location it’s self supporting but in windier gardens it benefits from a tripod of rustic poles or bean poles. Cut back to the ground after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. Plants self-seed readily.

How to grow Cephalaria gigantea

Plant size

2.5m height

100cm spread
Aspect

East facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border

Middle, back

Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Sow
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sow	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Plant
Plant	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowers
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Divide
Divide	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Prune
Prune	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Collect seeds
Collect seeds	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D