Growth Rate
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– Moderate – fills out steadily over the growing season.
– Reaches full size within 1–2 years when well cared for. |
Colorful leaves
|
|
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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No |
Deer Resistant
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Yes |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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– Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and occasional hummingbirds.
– Foliage is not generally browsed by deer or rabbits. |
Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring – emerges with fresh foliage and flower spikes
– Summer – flowering completes, foliage remains bold
– Fall – foliage color intensifies slightly in cooler temperatures
– Winter – semi-evergreen in Zones 7–9; cut back in early spring if foliage declines |
Ideal For
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– Shade and woodland gardens
– Front of borders or edging plants
– Container plantings
– Rock gardens
– Foliage contrast in mixed beds
– Pollinator-friendly landscapes (flowers attract bees and hummingbirds) |
Leaf Description
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– Elegant, silvery-pink to rosy foliage with subtle dark veining.
– Leaves are rounded, lobed, and slightly ruffled at the edges.
– Maintains year-round interest in many climates, semi-evergreen in mild winters. |
Flower Description
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– Small, soft pink bell-shaped blooms rise above the foliage on slender stems.
– Bloom period is late spring to early summer.
– Airy and delicate, the flowers contrast nicely with the bold leaves. |
Planting Instructions
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– Plant in spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures.
– Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for mature spread and airflow.
– Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball, ensuring the crown sits at soil level—not buried.
– Backfill with well-draining soil and gently firm in place.
– Water thoroughly after planting. |
Pruning & Maintenance
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– Remove faded flower stalks after blooming to encourage tidiness and new growth.
– Clean up tattered or dead leaves in early spring before new growth emerges.
– Occasional grooming during the season helps maintain vibrant foliage. |
Water Needs
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– Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
– Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil; avoid soggy conditions.
– Once established, tolerates brief dry periods but thrives with regular watering. |
Light Needs
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– Performs best in part shade to full shade.
– In cooler climates, it tolerates morning sun.
– In hot zones, protect from afternoon sun to prevent foliage scorch. |
Harvesting
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– Not grown for culinary or medicinal harvest.
– Flowers may be cut for small arrangements but are more valuable in the garden.
– Leaf color is ornamental; not harvested. |
Fertilizing
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– Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
– Avoid over-fertilizing, which may encourage floppy growth or reduce color vibrancy.
– Optional light feeding after flowering if foliage appears tired. |
Pollination
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– Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and small insects.
– Flowers are small but nectar-rich, encouraging pollinator activity.
– Not grown for seed production—propagation typically done by division. |
Companion Plants
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– Hosta – complementary texture and shade tolerance
– Ferns (Dryopteris, Athyrium) – pair well in woodland-style gardens
– Brunnera – contrasting heart-shaped, silver-spotted foliage
– Pulmonaria – spring blooms and low mounding form match beautifully
– Astilbe – moisture-loving and bloom at different times for season-long interest
– Tiarella (Foamflower) – similar growing conditions and foliage contrast
– Carex (Sedge) – grassy texture adds movement and color variety |