Cephalaria Gigantea
This eye catching perennial makes a real statement in height, colour, and flower formation. The majestic yellow flowering Scabious is a member of the Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) and is native to Turkey.
This exhuberant plant grows in open meadows in its natural habitat. It is called the Giant Scabious as it can grow up to 2.5 metres in height. If you stand close to these plants, they will challenge your height.
The beautiful yellow flowers are complimented with lime green foliage and interesting dissected leaves. Cephalaria prefers moist fairly rich soil in sun or part shade. This tall perennial is situated in the borders near to the Hotel at the Lakeside. The aspect protects the elegant height of the plant from direct exposure of Lake Windermere.
Cephalaria is a great architectural plant to mix within planting schemes, also known as the Giant Pin Cushion flower, due to the shape of the flower heads, even more so after the Corolla has fallen. This perennial is a superb wildlife friendly plant to attract pollinating insects. Spot the activity at work here !
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Posted by
Kevin Line
Kevin is the Head Gardener/Plantsperson at the Lakeside Hotel South Cumbria, appointed to restore the garden back to National Garden Scheme standard.
Kevin also works as a free lance Garden Adviser for the Field Studies Council at Castle Head, Grange- Over-Sands.
In 2021 Kevin was listed in the Horticultural Industries top 100 British Head Gardeners / Curators. This was to coincide with 180 years of the industry magazine, and the opening of RHS Bridgewater.
Kevin has been a member of the National Trust since 1999. He is a member of Butterfly Conservation and the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the Hardy Plant Society, Plant Heritage, the Wildflower Society, and the Botanical Society Of Britain & Ireland. He also writes for the RHS Plant Review (formerly RHS Plantsman), he is currently researching historic plant propagation/ taxonomy for the Gardens Trust ( formerly Garden History Society ).
Kevin had previously worked for three and a half years developing the garden of an Arts & Crafts period Country House Hotel to National Gardens Scheme standard. (South Lakes)
He has also previously worked as Head Gardener in the Cotswolds for over 10 years, prior to that, BBC Gardeners World, and the National Trust.
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