Cephalaria gigantea
giant scabious
- 9cm pot
- £11.99
- available to order from autumn
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £28.99 £9.66 each
- available to order from autumn
- 6 × 9cm pots
- £44.99 £7.50 each
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A close relative of the Scabiosa spp. (hence its common name), this tall, clump-forming perennial produces primrose-yellow flowerheads throughout the summer on stout, upright stems.The flowers are loved by bees and other beneficial insects, and the plants have a tendancy to self-seed if not dead-headed regularly. Plant i>Cephalaria gigantea at the back of a mixed or herbaceous border, or combine it with taller ornamental grasses in a prairie-style style setting.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil that’s been enriched with plenty of organic matter to support strong, upright growth. Space plants well apart to allow good air circulation, especially in heavier soils. Water during dry spells in the first season to help establish deep roots, but once settled, the plant becomes better able to deal with periods of drought.
Deadhead regularly throughout summer to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. In autumn, once flowering has finished and the foliage dies back, cut the plant down to ground level and compost the spent stems. Giant scabious may benefit from staking in exposed sites to prevent flopping.
Deadhead regularly throughout summer to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. In autumn, once flowering has finished and the foliage dies back, cut the plant down to ground level and compost the spent stems. Giant scabious may benefit from staking in exposed sites to prevent flopping.