Overview
Cephalaria alpina is a clump-forming, erect, tall perennial in the genus Cephalaria, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with dark green, large, deeply lobed leaves foliage. Cephalaria alpina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include back of borders, cottage gardens, prairie-style planting, naturalising and cut flowers. It is native to Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland.
About
Cephalaria alpina, commonly known as the yellow cephalaria, alpine scabious or yellow scabious, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae native to the Alps in Europe.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cephalaria alpina
About the genus
Cephalaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae. It includes 102 species native to southern Europe, western and central Asia, and northern and southern Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cephalaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cephalaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cephalaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cephalaria alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Erect, Tall
- Foliage
- Dark green, Large, Deeply lobed leaves
- Suggested uses
- Back of borders, Cottage gardens, Prairie-style planting, Naturalising, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cephalaria alpina
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seeds, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cephalaria alpina?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Cephalaria alpina?
Cephalaria alpina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cephalaria alpina need?
Cephalaria alpina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Cephalaria alpina?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Cephalaria alpina hardy in the UK?
Cephalaria alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cephalaria alpina?
Seeds, Division.
