Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Sunlight Bright light
Type of Soil Alkaline to neutral
Mature Height 12 to 14 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate

Moderate; establishes quickly.


Compact, clumping form: typically 12–14" tall and wide.

Colorful Leaves No
Flowering Yes
Bloom Color Purple & Lavender, Blue
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant Yes
Drought Tolerant Yes
Deer Resistant Yes
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.


Deer and rabbits generally avoid it due to aromatic foliage.

Self-pollinating Cross-pollinating
Seasonality

Spring: foliage emerges, first blooms appear late spring.


Summer: peak flowering, with potential rebloom after shearing.


Fall: foliage remains until frost, with occasional late blooms.


Winter: dies back to ground in cold climates, returns in spring.

Ideal For

– Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, edging, mass plantings, containers, cutting gardens

Leaf Description

Narrow, lance-shaped, medium green leaves.


Slightly rough, textured surface with a distinct herbal fragrance when crushed.


Forms a dense basal clump.

Flower Description

Dense spikes of deep violet-blue flowers.


Blooms in late spring to early summer, with repeat flowering after deadheading.


Flowers contrast beautifully with green foliage, creating a vibrant display.

Pruning & Maintenance

Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage repeat blooming.


Shear back lightly after the first flush of bloom (mid-summer) to stimulate new flowers.


Cut stems to basal foliage in late fall or early spring to prepare for new growth.


Water Needs

Moderate needs; water regularly until established.


Once established, drought tolerant; prefers deep, occasional watering over frequent shallow watering.


Avoid waterlogged soils.

Light Needs

Full sun (6+ hours daily) is essential for dense growth and abundant blooms.


Can tolerate light partial shade but with reduced flowering.

Harvesting

Flower spikes can be cut for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements.


Harvest when flowers are fully open for longest vase life.

Fertilizing

Light feeder; in spring apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.


Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage floppy growth.


Compost top-dressing annually improves soil health.

Additional Care Tips N/A
Pollination

Insect-pollinated; highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.


Not wind-pollinated; sterile flowers are not an issue as seeds are rarely used.


Companion Plants

Works well with drought-tolerant perennials such as Coreopsis, Echinacea, Nepeta, and Rudbeckia.


Pair with ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca, Panicum, or Pennisetum for texture.


Complements roses and other flowering shrubs in mixed borders.


Excellent in pollinator or cottage gardens with Monarda, Lavender, or Gaillardia.

Flowering and Seasonality

Spring: foliage emerges, first blooms appear late spring.


Summer: peak flowering, with potential rebloom after shearing.


Fall: foliage remains until frost, with occasional late blooms.


Winter: dies back to ground in cold climates, returns in spring.

Dense spikes of deep violet-blue flowers.


Blooms in late spring to early summer, with repeat flowering after deadheading.


Flowers contrast beautifully with green foliage, creating a vibrant display.

Pet Friendly

Yes

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

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