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Position

Sun Exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Back, middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Giant scabious, Cephalaria gigantea makes a dramatic, yet informal, statement in the border, bearing stout, upright stems from which pale primrose-yellow scabious flowers attract a wealth of pollinators. Although tall, Cephalaria gigantea isn't overbearing – its finely cut, aromatic leaves and stems are airy, allowing for growing in a range of planting schemes. It looks good at the back of a big herbaceous border, among large shrubs or trees in a mixed border, or in a light woodland clearing. It's informal look makes it perfect for a cottage garden.

Grow Cephalaria gigantea in rich, moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or part shade. In a sheltered location it's self supporting but in windier gardens it benefits from a tripod of rustic poles or bean poles. Cut back to the ground after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. Plants self-seed readily.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Pruneyes
Collect seedsyesyesyes

Cephalaria ‘Gigantea’ and wildlife

Cephalaria ‘Gigantea’ 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 ‘Gigantea’ poisonous?

Cephalaria ‘Gigantea’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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