Centaurea cephalariifolia, commonly known as Greater Knapweed, is a perennial herb native to Spain. It can reach a height of 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). This plant is characterized by its large, yellow, pincushion-like flowers that bloom in the summer and are highly attractive to pollinators. The foliage is coarse, with leaves that are deeply lobed and provide a textural contrast in garden settings.

Cephalaria Giant Scabious is valued for its tall stature and showy flowers, which make it a striking addition to borders and cottage gardens. It is also used for naturalistic plantings and as a cut flower due to its long stems and large blooms. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils, although it is adaptable to various soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. It requires moderate watering but can tolerate some drought once established. While generally low-maintenance, it may need staking in windy sites to prevent the tall stems from falling over. It is not commonly associated with serious pests or diseases, but powdery mildew and rust can occasionally be a problem in humid conditions. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding, which can be prolific under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0