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Growth Rate
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Fast-growing under ideal conditions. Plants typically reach full size within their first growing season, forming mounds approximately 15–18 inches tall and wide. |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Birds may feed on mature seed heads if left on the plant. Generally resistant to deer and rabbits. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Blooms from early summer through fall. Herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter and re-emerges in spring. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. |
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Ideal For
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Borders
Containers
Pollinator gardens
Mass plantings |
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Leaf Description
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Features finely dissected, thread-like, bright green leaves that form a dense, bushy mound. The delicate foliage provides a soft backdrop for the vibrant flowers. |
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Flower Description
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Produces an abundance of single, raspberry pink flowers that lighten toward the yellow centers. Each bloom measures approximately 1.5 inches across and is held on slender stems above the foliage. |
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall to allow roots to establish before winter. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to accommodate mature spread and ensure good air circulation. |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. A light shearing after the first flush of blooms can promote a second bloom cycle. In late fall, cut back the plant to a few inches above ground level to prepare for winter dormancy. |
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Water Needs
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Moderate water needs during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant and prefers soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly drained soils. |
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Light Needs
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Requires full sun for optimal performance. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Inadequate light may result in reduced flowering and a leggy appearance. |
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Harvesting
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Flowers can be harvested for fresh bouquets. Cut in the morning when blooms are fully open. While not a traditional cut flower, it adds a cheerful touch to informal arrangements. |
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Fertilizing
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Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. |
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Pollination
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Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, due to its abundant nectar and accessible flower structure. |
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Companion Plants
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Pairs well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials such as Echinacea, Salvia, Gaillardia, and ornamental grasses. These combinations enhance color contrast and support pollinator activity. |
