Cephalaria is a hardy perennial. It is large and can flower up to 2m (7 feet) in height.
Cephalaria has the common name of Scabious.
It flowers in the summer with yellow cup-shaped flowers.
As it is a large plant Cephalaria should be grown at the back of borders.
Cephalaria gigantea by Leonora Enking.
Cephalaria by Sharon K.
If planning to grow Cephalaria plants outdoors from seeds, then they should be sown at a depth of 7 mm in the spring.
They prefer a partially shaded or sunny area of the garden that has moist soil.
If you are planning to first grow seedlings indoors then they should be started towards the end of winter.
They take around three to eight weeks to germinate at about 15 degrees Celsius (59°F). Seeds that do not germinate can be advanced by subjecting them to three weeks or so of stratification in a refrigerator.
Scabious should be planted outside with a spacing of about 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 inches).
Cephalaria are easy to look after but do require regular watering.
Due to their height Cephalaria plants should be staked in windy areas.
Once flowering has finished, they should be cut back, and every three years the plant should be divided to maintain vigour.
If proagating, then dividing the plant is also a good way of producing further Cephalaria plants, and should be done in the spring.
The Cephalaria genus includes about 89 species, including the towering Yellow Scabious.
Yes, Cephalaria species like Yellow Scabious can add height and drama to borders with their large, pale yellow flowers.
The most frequently grown is Cephalaria gigantea (Yellow Scabious), a tall plant with airy, pale-yellow blooms.
Cephalaria plants are not particularly noted for their fragrance. Their appeal lies in their height and charming flowers.
Cephalaria prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are perfect for the back of a sunny border.
Presently, Cephalaria is not considered invasive in the USA. It's a tall perennial often used in borders and cottage gardens.
To remove Cephalaria, dig up the plant, ensuring all root fragments are removed as they could potentially regrow.
The Cephalaria genus, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, is native to Eurasia and North Africa. These perennial plants are recognized for their large, yellow, pin-cushion-like flowers that bloom in summer, and their tall, airy growth habit.
To cultivate Cephalaria, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or divisions. Regular watering is necessary. They are often used in borders, meadow gardens, or as cut flowers for their tall stature and attractive blooms.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cephalaria plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Caprifoliaceae growing guides: How to grow Weigela florida and Patrinia plants.