Overview
Cephalaria ambrosioides is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Cephalaria, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cephalaria ambrosioides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Cephalaria ambrosioides is a deciduous, columnar upright cultivar within the Cephalaria genus, known for its pinnately divided foliage and flower heads resembling those of scabious. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, it is hardy in the UK (H7) and offers interest during spring and summer. This cultivar is ideal for wildlife gardens, cut flowers, and flower borders, and is best planted after the last frost in fertile soil.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cephalaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cephalaria ambrosioides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cephalaria ambrosioides
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cephalaria ambrosioides?
Cephalaria ambrosioides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cephalaria ambrosioides need?
Cephalaria ambrosioides is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Cephalaria ambrosioides hardy in the UK?
Cephalaria ambrosioides 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 ambrosioides?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring, Division in spring.
More in the Cephalaria genus
- Cephalaria alpina
- Cephalaria procera
- Cephalaria alpina x Scabiosa cinerea
- Cephalaria trans. 'White Form'