Growth Rate
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Fast-growing under ideal conditions. Plants typically reach full size within their first growing season, forming mounds approximately 14 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. |
Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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Highly attractive to pollinators including native bees, honeybees, and butterflies due to its abundant nectar and open flower form. Birds such as finches may feed on mature seed heads in fall if left on the plant. Not favored by deer or rabbits, making it suitable for gardens with browsing wildlife. |
Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Begins blooming in midsummer and continues through early to mid-fall. It is a herbaceous perennial in USDA Zones 5 through 9, dying back to the ground in winter and re-emerging in spring. |
Ideal For
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Sunny borders Rock Gardens Pollinator Gardens Containers
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Leaf Description
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Features finely divided, narrow, lanceolate leaves of medium green color. Foliage forms a dense, bushy mound and remains healthy-looking even in dry conditions. The delicate leaf texture contrasts beautifully with bold flowers and nearby broad-leaved companions. |
Flower Description
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Blooms are classic Coreopsis-style daisies, bright pink with yellow centers. Each flower measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches across and is held on wiry, upright stems above the foliage. Flowers appear in great abundance from mid to late summer and continue into fall with proper care. |
Planting Instructions
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Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall, allowing time for the roots to establish before winter. Choose a location with excellent drainage and full sun exposure. Dig a hole as deep as the plant’s root ball and at least twice as wide. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread and allow for airflow. Gently loosen the roots, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Avoid planting in heavy clay unless soil is amended with sand or compost. |
Pruning & Maintenance
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Regular deadheading encourages extended flowering and helps maintain a neat appearance. After the first heavy flush of blooms, shear the plant back lightly by one-third to rejuvenate it and encourage a second flush. In late fall, once flowering ceases, cut the stems back to a few inches above soil level to tidy the plant for winter. |
Water Needs
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Moderate water needs during establishment. Once rooted, it is highly drought-tolerant and performs well with deep, infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering or soggy soil can lead to crown or root rot. |
Light Needs
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Requires full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In shadier spots, plants will produce fewer blooms and may become leggy. |
Harvesting
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Blooms may be harvested for cut flower arrangements; harvest in the early morning when flowers are fully open. Spent flowers can be left to go to seed for bird interest or removed to promote blooming. Seed collection is optional but possible from dried heads. |
Fertilizing
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Minimal fertilization is needed. In average to rich soil, it performs well without supplemental feeding. In poor soil, apply a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Avoid high nitrogen formulas, which can result in excess foliage and reduced flower production. |
Pollination
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Pollinated by a range of beneficial insects, especially bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. While some selections in the ‘Fall Sensation’ group are sterile, they still produce abundant nectar and support local pollinator activity well into autumn. |
Companion Plants
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Complements Echinacea purpurea and Rudbeckia for a bold native-inspired display. Combines well with ornamental grasses like Panicum virgatum or Pennisetum for contrasting texture and late-season movement. Pairs beautifully with Gaillardia, Russian Sage (Perovskia), and Nepeta, which share its tolerance for sun and dry soil. Blends well with drought-resistant groundcovers like Sedum for low-maintenance beds. |