Description
Cephalaria –
There are about 65 species of annuals and perennials, in this genus. They occur in habitats ranging from meadows to mountain pastures, from Europe, Western Asia and temperate Africa. They have basal tufts of opposite, pinnatifid or deeply dissected, toothed leaves and scabiosa like, terminal flowers, usually pale yellow or white, with several rows of stiff involucral bracts. C. gigantea is grown for its imposing stature in large herbaceous border, as well as for its dark foliage and pastel yellow flowers. Sturdy enough to stand upright without staking, and tolerant of range of soils, it is good choice for a mass planting in an urban setting or wild garden.
Grow in fertile, moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade, They will thrive in clay. Divide in early or mid spring.
C. alpina – Scabiosa alpina – This clump forming perennial from the Jura Mountains, Southwestern and Central Alps, and Northern Apennines grows 6′ feet tall and 2′ feet wide. It produces elliptic, pinnate or pinnatisect, basal leaves, 6-16″ long, consisting of 3-8 pairs of oblong-lance shaped, toothed leaflets or lobes. In early and mid summer it bears long stalked pale yellow flower, 1 1/4″ or more wide, the outer florets larger than the rest.
Zones 4-8
