Giant Scabious

Giant Scabious (Cephalaria gigantea)

Giant Scabious (Cephalaria gigantea) is a tall, stately perennial admired for its airy, pale yellow pincushion-like flowers that rise gracefully above feathery green foliage. This elegant, long-blooming plant thrives in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, offering a spectacular floral display from early to late summer.

Distinctive Features

Giant Scabious forms a robust clump of deeply divided, soft green leaves. Its towering stems bear clusters of soft yellow, scabiosa-like flowers that sway in the breeze, adding height and movement to the garden. These blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture.
• Water: Moderate moisture needs; prefers evenly moist conditions but tolerates short dry spells.
• Humidity: Adaptable to a range of humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8, making it suitable for a variety of climates.

Ideal Uses

• Back of Borders: Adds height and texture to mixed perennial beds.
• Cottage Gardens: Provides a traditional, informal floral display.
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Meadow and Naturalistic Plantings: Blends beautifully with other tall perennials and grasses.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

Giant Scabious is an easy-to-grow perennial that requires minimal upkeep.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
• Fertilizing: Benefits from organic matter or compost in early spring.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and resistant to deer and rabbits.
• Winter Care: Hardy in most climates; cut back spent foliage in late fall.

Why Choose Giant Scabious?

Giant Scabious is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a tall, graceful perennial that adds movement, height, and pollinator-friendly benefits.

• Elegant Pale Yellow Blooms: Provides a soft, airy presence in the garden.
• Vertical Accent: Adds height and interest to mixed plantings.
• Attracts Pollinators: Supports bees and butterflies with nectar-rich flowers.
• Versatile Uses: Ideal for borders, meadows, and cottage gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little care once established.

For a striking, pollinator-friendly addition to the garden, Giant Scabious (Cephalaria gigantea) is an outstanding choice.