Giant scabious (Cephalaria gigantea)
Description
Cephalaria gigantea is one of those plants that prove that you can get maximum height into the border without using overbearing large plants. The stout, upright stems are tall but airy and "see-through" arising from a rosette of divided leaves. The very pretty pale butter-yellow scabious shape flowers can reach 180cm (6ft) when in flower. This gentle giant has an informal look that is perfect for looser planting styles and just right for a cottage garden. Use it as you would Verbena bonariensis planted at the back of a mixed or herbaceous border, or combine it with taller ornamental grasses in a prairie-style style setting. This exceptional specimen also looks good among large shrubs or trees in a mixed border, or in a light woodland clearing. In a well sheltered location it is self supporting, but in windier gardens it benefits from some support. The aromatic foliage, anise-scented, is deeply cut and impressive. This easy-going perennial flowers in June to the end July. It will grow in most soils but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil, it can be grown in full sun or part shade. To create a more compact and bushier specimen, simply pinch back in May or June. Chop it to the base when it starts to look tatty as it often repeats in September if cut back after first flush. The plants have a tendency to self-seed if not dead-headed regularly. The flowers are an attractive nectar source for both bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, and are ideal for use as a cut flower.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Dipsacales
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Family: Caprifoliaceae
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Genus: Cephalaria
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