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Growth Rate
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– Moderate growth rate
– Reaches mature size within 2–3 growing seasons
– Height: 36–42 inches
– Spread: 18–24 inches
– Forms a dense, upright clump |
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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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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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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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– Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing garden biodiversity
– Deer and rabbit resistant, making it suitable for areas with wildlife pressure |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Emerges in early spring
– Blooms in late spring to early summer
– Foliage provides long-lasting interest through summer into fall
– Dormant in winter; regrows from the crown each spring |
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Ideal For
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– Borders and perennial beds
– Rain gardens and moist meadow plantings
– Around ponds, streams, or low-lying damp areas
– Cottage gardens and naturalistic designs |
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Leaf Description
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– Narrow, grass-like, linear leaves
– Blue-green foliage forms a vase-shaped clump
– Foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing ornamental interest even after blooming |
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Flower Description
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– Deep, velvety violet-purple flowers with upright standards and flaring falls
– Each sturdy flower stalk produces multiple blossoms well above the foliage
– Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
– Flowers are showy and add vertical interest to the landscape |
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Planting Instructions
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– Plant in early spring or late summer to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures
– Choose a location with full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes more prolific blooming
– Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soils, including boggy conditions
– Space plants 18–24 inches apart to accommodate mature spread
– Plant rhizomes 1–2 inches below the soil surface; ensure the crown is level with the soil
– Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and suppress weeds |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Remove spent flower stalks promptly after bloom to maintain appearance
– Cut back foliage to about 6 inches above the ground in late fall to prepare for winter dormancy |
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Water Needs
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– Requires regular watering during establishment phase
– Once established, drought-tolerant; water during prolonged dry periods
– Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged; overwatering can lead to root rot |
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Light Needs
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– Thrives in full sun
– Tolerates partial shade; however, flowering is more profuse in full sun |
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Harvesting
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– Flowers can be cut for use in floral arrangements; however, they typically last only two days in a vase
– Deadheading spent blooms encourages prolonged flowering period |
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Fertilizing
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– Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth
– Fertilize again after flowering to encourage future blooms
– Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent lush foliage at the expense of blooms |
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Pollination
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– Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations
– Flowers are not self-fertile; cross-pollination enhances seed production |
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Companion Plants
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– Astilbe for plume-like floral interest and upright habit
– Salvia for complementary flower spikes and color contrast
– Alchemilla mollis for soft, mounding foliage and chartreuse blooms
– Miscanthus 'Gracillimus' for ornamental grass texture
– Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue' for early-season color and foliage contrast |
