Growing Cephalaria gigantea (Giant Scabious)

Pronuciation: seff-uh-lair'-ee-uh

A member of the Teasel family, Cephalaria is native to Europe, Asia, and Central Asia, where it grows in meadows and mountain pastures. A clump-former that can reach 8ft in bloom, Cephalaria gigantea is a good choice for informal gardens or large borders.

Light/Watering: Grow in well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade (especially in the South).

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Cephalaria grows well in soil with a pH close to neutral (add lime if your soil is extremely acid), yet is surprisingly adaptable and will tolerate heavy clay soil.

Pests/Diseases: Relatively pest and disease free.