Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Neutral to alkaline
Mature Height 18 to 24 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Low to moderate (once a week in hot climate, once every 2 weeks in regular climate)

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Additional Information
Growth Rate

– Moderate

– Typically reaches mature size within 1–2 growing seasons

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Pink
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

– Strong attractor of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

– Provides late-season nectar when few other flowers are available

Self-pollinating Self-pollinating
Seasonality

– Spring: foliage emerges and matures

– Summer: buds develop; upright form holds shape

– Late summer to fall: peak bloom; vivid magenta display

– Winter: dried flower heads offer structure if left uncut

Ideal For

– Late-season color in perennial borders

– Pollinator gardens

– Xeriscapes

– Containers and mass plantings

– Cut flower arrangements

Leaf Description

– Fleshy, ovate, blue-green leaves arranged alternately on thick, upright stems

– Leaves are smooth-margined and succulent

– Drought-resistant and decorative even without bloom

Flower Description

– Large, dense, flat-topped clusters of electric magenta-pink flowers

– Bloom period: late summer into early fall (August–October)

– Flowers are long-lasting and excellent for fresh or dried use

– Held above foliage on thick, sturdy stems that resist flopping

Pruning & Maintenance

– Cut stems to ground in early spring before new growth emerges

– Deadheading not required but may improve tidiness

– Optional: pinch in early summer to encourage bushier growth

Water Needs

Drought tolerant once established

– Water regularly during the first 2–3 weeks post-planting

– After establishment, water during prolonged dry spells only

– Avoid overwatering or poor drainage

Light Needs

Full sun (6+ hours/day) is ideal for compact growth and best flower color

– Tolerates light shade, but flowering and foliage intensity may be reduced

Harvesting

– Flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements or dried crafts

– Harvest flower heads at peak bloom for best color retention

– Foliage generally not used for cut arrangements

Fertilizing

– Requires little to no fertilizing in average garden soils

– In spring, apply compost or balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer if desired

– Avoid rich feeding which can result in floppy stems

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

– Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

– Primarily ornamental; not typically propagated by seed

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' – for bold color contrast

Echinacea purpurea – matches bloom time and pollinator value

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) – airy texture and extended season

Nepeta faassenii – soft foliage contrast

Pennisetum alopecuroides – adds motion and structure with grasses

Flowering and Seasonality

– Spring: foliage emerges and matures

– Summer: buds develop; upright form holds shape

– Late summer to fall: peak bloom; vivid magenta display

– Winter: dried flower heads offer structure if left uncut

– Large, dense, flat-topped clusters of electric magenta-pink flowers

– Bloom period: late summer into early fall (August–October)

– Flowers are long-lasting and excellent for fresh or dried use

– Held above foliage on thick, sturdy stems that resist flopping

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

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