Overview
Cephalaria gigantea is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Cephalaria, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cephalaria gigantea 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. It is native to North Caucasus, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Cephalaria gigantea, commonly known as giant scabious or yellow scabious, is a herbaceous perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows with a columnar upright habit, reaching heights of 1.5 to 2.5 metres and spreading 0.5 to 1 metre, typically taking 2 to 5 years to reach full height. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is suitable for all garden aspects and both exposed and sheltered locations, providing summer interest.
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
- 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 gigantea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cephalaria gigantea
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of various soil types; benefits from staking due to tall growth
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- 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
How do I grow Cephalaria gigantea?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of various soil types; benefits from staking due to tall growth.
Where is the best place to plant Cephalaria gigantea?
Cephalaria gigantea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cephalaria gigantea need?
Cephalaria gigantea 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.
How do I prune Cephalaria gigantea?
Cut back to ground level in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Cephalaria gigantea grow?
Cephalaria gigantea reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cephalaria gigantea hardy in the UK?
Cephalaria gigantea 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 gigantea?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring, Division in spring.
