Cephalaria alpina

Cephalaria alpina, also known as Alpine Yellow Scabious and Alpine Cephalaria, is a cosmopolitan wild plant. This imposing herbaceous perennial requires a lot of space. It forms a robust clump of light green leaves from which emerge numerous slender stems topped with small, very pale and bright yellow heads in summer. It is a vigorous, spectacular yet refined plant, essential in wild gardens.

Cephalaria plants are very hardy perennials related to scabious. Cephalaria alpina belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. This herbaceous perennial has a spreading habit. It can become imposing, easily reaching 1.2m (4ft) in height when flowering, with foliage reaching 40cm (16in) and a minimum spread of 50cm (20in). It has an upright, bushy habit. While its establishment and growth may be somewhat slow, this plant proves to be very long-lasting. It flowers from the second year of cultivation. The summer flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of very delicate yellow flower heads, measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. The flowers are borne on long, slender, striated stems, covered at the base with curled hairs also found on the petioles. The light green leaves are pinnate, measuring 30cm (12in) in length, and deeply divided into oval and dentate leaflets. It is a highly nectariferous plant.

Plant Cephalaria alpina in full sun or partial shade. This plant prefers neutral, even clayey, deep, loose, very well-drained soils. In nature, it grows in pastures and rocky areas of high mountains. It is very rare for it to require staking, as its stems are sturdy and its inflorescences are light. Plant in spring or autumn. Cut back the flower stems in early or late winter.

Cephalaria alpina is perfect at the back of a border. Its tall flower stems are slender enough not to cast shade on other perennials. It is well-suited to large gardens, mixed with other giant plants such as Olympic Mullein, Narrow-Leaf Ligularia, Cardoon, Tall Verbena, Milky Bellflower, and Giant Fennel, for a picturesque effect. Alternatively, plant it in a large rock garden. Note that its flowers have a good vase life.