Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
In contrast with its name, Cephalaria alpina is not an alpine plant but a tall-growing scabious that’s only slightly more compact than Cephalaria giantea. It forms rosettes of hairy leaves from which strong, upright, branching stems of pale yellow pincushion flowers appear in summer. It’s perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and makes an excellent cut flower. Like all scabious, its blooms are a magnet for bees and other pollinators. Short-lived, it self-seeds readily. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Grow Cephalaria alpina in moist but well-drained soil in full sun - try growing it in drifts through lower-growing plants in a sunny border. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost and allow to develop seed.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
Prune
yes
yes
Cephalaria ‘Alpina’ and wildlife
Cephalaria ‘Alpina’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths
Butterflies/Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators
Is Cephalaria ‘Alpina’ poisonous?
Cephalaria ‘Alpina’ has no toxic effects reported.
