Overview
Cephalaria flava is a perennial in the genus Cephalaria, part of the Caprifoliaceae family. Cephalaria flava grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and cottage gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Cephalaria flava is a perennial in the Caprifoliaceae that produces a notable summer flowering display. Native to Europe, it flowers from June to August. It prefers full sun or partial shade on fertile, well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline pH with moderate moisture. It is hardy (H5) and is used in borders, cottage gardens and as a cut flower.
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
In the garden
Cephalaria flava belongs to the Caprifoliaceae and comes from Europe; its main season runs from June to August when it comes into flower. As a perennial it returns each year and is valued where a sustained summer floral presence is needed. Plant it where it receives full sun or some afternoon shelter in partial shade. Give fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction and avoid waterlogged positions; soil that holds moderate moisture suits it best. In UK hardiness terms H5 means it is considered hardy in most gardens, so sheltered or exposed sites are both possible depending on your microclimate. Use Yellow Cephalaria in the middle to rear of sunny borders, in informal cottage plantings or where stems are wanted for cutting. Grouping several plants concentrates the summer display and makes harvesting easier. Because it flowers reliably from June to August, plan for its stems in mixed summer bouquets and place it alongside other perennials that occupy the foreground of the border during its bloom period.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cephalaria
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cephalaria flava size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cephalaria flava
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cephalaria flava?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Cephalaria flava?
Cephalaria flava prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Cephalaria flava need?
Cephalaria flava grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Cephalaria flava?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Cephalaria flava hardy in the UK?
Cephalaria flava has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cephalaria flava?
Seed, division.