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Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) bloom
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with bumble bees
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) single bloom
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the garden
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with Valerian
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with Digitalis purpurea alba

giant scabious

Cephalaria gigantea

A traditional cottage garden plant, this dramatic perennial is rarely seen these days. Wiry stems hold pale scabiosa-like blooms above aromatic leaves from June through August. Though tall, it is not overbearing and works well as a see-through plant. May need support in a windy garden. Self seeds readily. Attracts honeybees and other pollinators.

Zones: 4 to 7
Family: Dipsacaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 48 to 60 in.
Spread: 24 to 48 in.
Exposure: full sun
Soil Conditions: well-drained, average
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Light Yellow
Native Range: Caucasus to Sibirica

Special Characteristics
  • Pollinator favorite
  • Self-seeder
  • Little to no care required (once established)
  • See-through plant
image credits

Ali McEnhill, The Old Dairy Nursery

Regular price
$8.99
Regular price
Sale price
$8.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.

ships spring 2025

PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring are likely to arrive dormant.
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) bloom
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with bumble bees
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) single bloom
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the garden
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with Valerian
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) with Digitalis purpurea alba

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.

We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

  • 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
  • 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
  • trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Read more about our shipping policies here.

Nursery pick up

Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.

If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

  • 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
  • 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
  • 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.

garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the gardenCephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the garden

view this plant in our garden

Cephalaria gigantea | House: Slow Garden 2022

seedling image

Cephalaria gigantea

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
Cephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the gardenCephalaria gigantea (giant scabious) in the garden
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon