| Growth Rate |
- Speed Moderate grower.
- Mature Growth: Reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, bushy shrub with a compact habit.
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| Colorful Leaves |
No
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| Flowering |
Yes
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| Bloom Color |
Green
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| Ornamental Berries |
N/A |
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| Disease resistant |
Yes
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| Cold Tolerant |
No
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| Heat Tolerant |
Yes
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| Drought Tolerant |
No
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| Deer Resistant |
No
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| Edible |
No
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| Wildlife Attraction |
- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the blooms.
- Wildlife Resistant: Somewhat deer-resistant, though young plants may experience occasional browsing.
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| Self-pollinating |
Cross-pollinating
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| Seasonality |
- Foliage Season: Spring to fall.
- Flowering Season: Early summer through fall (June to October).
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
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| Ideal For |
- Borders and hedges
- Foundation plantings
- Containers
- Woodland gardens
- Pollinator gardens
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| Leaf Description |
- Color: Dark green, glossy, oval leaves with serrated edges.
- Form: Large, smooth leaves that create a dense, bushy appearance, providing an attractive backdrop to the showy blooms.
- Fall Interest: Foliage turns yellow in the fall before dropping for winter dormancy.
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| Flower Description |
- Color: Double-layered, mophead flowers that are deep pink in alkaline soil and vivid blue in acidic soil.
- Form: Large, rounded flower clusters up to 6-8 inches in diameter, with dense, multi-petal florets for a fuller, more textured appearance.
- Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from early summer to fall, reblooming on both old and new wood.
- Fragrance: Not fragrant.
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| Pruning & Maintenance |
- Timing: Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or early spring, as Double Down® blooms on both old and new wood.
- Method: Light pruning to remove dead or damaged stems and spent flowers is all that is needed. Deadheading promotes continued flowering.
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| Water Needs |
- Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water deeply as needed, especially during dry periods.
- Soil Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Double Down® benefits from mulching to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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| Light Needs |
- Prefers partial shade to full sun. In warmer climates, afternoon shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorch, while in cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun.
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| Harvesting |
💐 For Fresh Cut Flower ArrangementsBest Time to Harvest:
- When blooms are fully open and firm, usually mid to late summer.
- Since Double Down™ is a rebloomer, you can often get multiple flushes for harvest through the season (June to September).
How to Harvest:
- Cut in the early morning when stems are well-hydrated.
- Use clean, sharp pruners and cut just above a leaf node.
- Place cut stems directly into cool water.
- Use mature blooms for best vase life; avoid cutting too early when florets are still tight.
- Pro Tip: Add flower preservative to the vase water to extend bloom life, and change water every few days.
🌾 For Drying Blooms- Best Time to Harvest for Drying:
- When blooms begin to age naturally on the plant—look for petals that are slightly papery or have begun to turn soft antique tones (late summer to early fall).
- Drying Method:
- Remove all leaves from the stem.
- Hang stems upside down in a cool, dark, dry place with good airflow, or
- Place upright in a dry vase without water to air dry.
- Drying typically takes 1–2 weeks, and petals will retain soft, muted pink or greenish hues.
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| Fertilizing |
- Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer for optimal growth and flowering.
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. For color control, aluminum sulfate can be applied to acidic soil for blue flowers, or lime can be added to alkaline soil for pink flowers.
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| Additional Care Tips |
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Drought Tolerance: Double Down® prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short dry spells once established. Regular watering is recommended during dry periods.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, though it may occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
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| Pollination |
- Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and butterflies, though Double Down® is primarily grown for its ornamental blooms rather than seed production.
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| Companion Plants |
- Hostas
- Astilbe
- Ferns
- Heuchera (Coral Bells)
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