Cephalaria gigantea

A traditional cottage garden plant, this dramatic perennial is rarely seen these days. Wiry stems hold pale scabiosa-like blooms above aromatic leaves from June through August. Though tall, it is not overbearring and works well as a see-through plant. May need support in a windy garden. Self seeds readily. Attracts honeybees and other pollinators.

Zones: 4 to 7

Family: Dipsacaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 48 to 60 in.

Spread: 24 to 48 in.

Exposure: full sun

Soil Conditions: well-drained, average

Bloom Time: June to August

Bloom Color: Light Yellow

Native Range: Caucasus to Sibirica

Image Credits:

Image 1 (blooms) Lazaregagnidze, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Image 2 (form) Franz Xaver, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Image 3 (seed head) Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Image 4 (buds) Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Image 5 (foliage) Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons