Cephalaria alpina
alpine scabious
Cephalaria alpina is a tall, elegant perennial, producing airy stems topped with soft yellow blooms that add movement and a natural feel to planting schemes. The finely divided, toothed leaves form a neat base before rising into branching stems that create a graceful upright display.
It's a wonderful choice for the back or middle of a sunny border, where its pincushion-like flowers provide a long season of interest and attract plenty of pollinating insects. After flowering, rounded seed heads add texture and extend the display into late summer.
Happy in fertile, well-drained soil, this easy-going perennial suits cottage cottage gardens, wildflower planting and prairie-style borders. It can gently self-seed over time, helping it settle naturally into the garden, while its tall stems make a lovely choice for bringing height and fresh-cut flowers indoors.
It's a wonderful choice for the back or middle of a sunny border, where its pincushion-like flowers provide a long season of interest and attract plenty of pollinating insects. After flowering, rounded seed heads add texture and extend the display into late summer.
Happy in fertile, well-drained soil, this easy-going perennial suits cottage cottage gardens, wildflower planting and prairie-style borders. It can gently self-seed over time, helping it settle naturally into the garden, while its tall stems make a lovely choice for bringing height and fresh-cut flowers indoors.
How to care for Cephalaria alpina:
Plant alpine scabious in full sun or light shade in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter to encourage strong, upright growth. Give plants enough space to develop their tall, airy form and allow good air movement around the foliage. Water regularly during dry spells while the plant establishes a deep root system, then it will become more resilient once settled.
Remove faded flowers throughout summer to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage further blooms, or leave the seed heads in place for winter interest. In exposed gardens, taller stems may benefit from a little support to prevent them leaning in strong winds. Cut back the old growth in late winter or early spring before fresh shoots emerge.
Remove faded flowers throughout summer to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage further blooms, or leave the seed heads in place for winter interest. In exposed gardens, taller stems may benefit from a little support to prevent them leaning in strong winds. Cut back the old growth in late winter or early spring before fresh shoots emerge.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.9m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
