Giant Scabious. Large clumps of dark green divided leaves topped with wiry branched stems with large pale primrose yellow flowers. Height 2m. Spread 60cm. Flowers May to June. Full sun/part shade. Hardy.
Cephalaria gigantea, also known as Giant Scabious, is a tall, elegant perennial that produces soft, primrose-yellow blooms on wiry stems, bringing height and movement to the garden. Follow this detailed planting guide to ensure your Cephalaria gigantea thrives year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Cephalaria is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows strong root establishment before summer flowering.
Autumn: Planting Cephalaria gigantea in early autumn is also effective, giving it time to settle before the dormant season and ensuring vigorous growth the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Cephalaria grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Choose a position with plenty of light for maximum flowering.
Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil. Cephalaria gigantea dislikes waterlogged conditions, so improve drainage with grit or compost where needed. Rich soil with organic matter will encourage lush foliage and strong flower stems.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Cephalaria gigantea.
Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting: Place the plant so that the crown sits level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
Watering: Water Cephalaria gigantea well after planting to help roots establish, but avoid creating waterlogged conditions.
Watering Requirements
Active Growth: During the growing season, water Cephalaria gigantea regularly during prolonged dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering in winter, providing only enough moisture to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong new growth and tall, healthy stems.
Summer: A light top-dressing of compost or a slow-release fertiliser in mid-summer will support continuous flowering.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove faded blooms from Cephalaria gigantea to prolong flowering and keep the plant tidy.
Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut the stems back to ground level in late autumn to prepare the plant for dormancy and ensure vigorous growth the following year.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a thick mulch of compost or organic matter around the base of Cephalaria gigantea in spring to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter: Mulching also helps protect the root system through cold conditions, ensuring long-term resilience.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: With its tall flower stems, Cephalaria gigantea may need staking in exposed areas to prevent flopping. Support early in the season to avoid damaging roots later.
Final Tips
Cephalaria gigantea is a low-maintenance perennial that brings both height and charm to borders. By planting in fertile, well-drained soil, providing full sun or partial shade, and following this care routine, your Cephalaria will reward you with tall, graceful stems topped with soft primrose-yellow flowers year after year.
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