Giant scabious

With large pale yellow pin-cushion flowers on 6 foot stems, this perennial truly is a fast growing giant. Cephalaria scabious is a plant with a lot of potential, from the informal cottage garden to the architectural ornamental grass border where the Giant scabious flowers rise up high above the rest dotting the landscape behind. Cephalaria gigantea is low maintenance and tolerant of most soils and positions, making it popular with landscapers. The foliage has a slight aniseed fragrance and the flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Site: Tolerant of some inland exposure
Soil: Any well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Pale yellow flowers in Summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6ft (2m) Spread: 3ft (1m)