GIANT SCABIOUS

Giant Scabious
(Cephalaria gigantea)

Deer resistant perennial 
Happy in our Zone 8 climate.
Easy street.

Giant Scabious

Botanical Name: Cephalaria gigantea

Life-cycle: Herbaceous perennial

Hardiness Zones: USDA 03-7

Ease of Care: Low

Habit: Erect, tall blooming plant for the back of borders.

Flowers: Light yellow at the top of wand-like tall stems in June to September, 4-6 feet tall.

Habitat: Average, well-drained soil in sun, light shade.

Tolerates: DEER.

Uses: Food plants for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and for flower arranging. 

Notes: Develops a long taproot so it resents being disturbed. Dies to nothing in late fall and then bounds out of the ground in spring but not invasively. Doesn't need staking except in exposed areas. A plant to use for height in the garden without overbearing large plants. It is an exceptional plant that looks good in a cottage garden or among large shrubs and trees in a woodland garden.

Sowing: April to August for flowering the next year.
January to March for flowers from June onward. Sow in trays or pots with good, moist well-drained seed compost. Cover lightly with vermiculite after sowing as they need light for germination. Prick out to four-inch pots after four weeks.

Seeds for sale 
Shaw Island Gatehouse 
Reefnet Bay Road, 
Shaw Island, WA.