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Growth Rate
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– Moderate to fast-growing once established
– Reaches full height (28–34 inches) and width (28–36 inches) within one season |
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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 bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
– Deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic, somewhat bitter foliage
– Excellent for pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, and wildlife borders |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall (July–September)
– Foliage season: Spring to frost
– Winter: Top growth dies back; cut back in early spring
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9 |
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Ideal For
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- Dry, sunny borders
– Pollinator and xeriscape gardens
– Textural contrast in perennial beds
– Scented plantings
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Leaf Description
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– Fine, deeply dissected silvery-green foliage
– Leaves are soft-textured and highly aromatic when crushed
– Creates a feathery, soft-looking mound even before blooming |
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Flower Description
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– Lavender-blue tubular flowers held in smoky purple calyces
– Long, upright flower spikes from mid-summer through early fall
– Calyces remain colorful even after petals drop, extending visual interest
– Adds vertical structure and soft pastel color to garden palettes |
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Planting Instructions
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– Best time to plant is spring or early fall when temperatures are mild
– Choose a location with excellent drainage; avoid heavy, wet soils
– Amend soil with sand or gravel if needed to improve drainage
– Plant crown level with the soil surface
– Space 28–36 inches apart to allow for full spread and airflow
– Mulching is optional; use gravel or light organic mulch sparingly |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– In spring, cut stems back to 4–6 inches before new growth emerges
– Avoid pruning in fall, as stems provide winter interest and protection
– Deadheading is not required, but may prolong bloom in some regions
– If stems flop, they can be lightly trimmed to maintain shape |
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Water Needs
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– Requires moderate water during establishment (first 4–6 weeks)
– Once established, it is highly drought tolerant
– Water only during extended dry periods in summer
– Overwatering or poorly drained soil may cause root rot |
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Light Needs
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– Requires full sun (minimum 6 hours daily) for best flowering and compact form
– Performs poorly in shade or low light; stems may become leggy |
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Harvesting
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– Can be harvested for cut flowers or dried arrangements
– Harvest flower stems when blooms are fully open
– Foliage can be cut and dried for potpourri or sachets
– Best harvested in the morning for maximum fragrance retention |
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Fertilizing
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– Minimal fertilization required
– Apply a light layer of compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring
– Avoid rich soils or over-fertilizing, which can lead to lanky growth |
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Pollination
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– Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
– Flowers produce nectar, making it a valuable plant for pollinators
– Sterile hybrid; does not self-seed, making it non-invasive |
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Companion Plants
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– Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – matches bloom season and drought tolerance
– Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-eyed Susan) – golden blooms contrast nicely with lavender
– Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – soft texture and dry garden compatibility
– Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – thrives in similar hot, dry sites
– Salvia nemorosa – shares pollinator value and upright form
– Lavandula (Lavender) – complements with fragrance and foliage
– Sedum spp. – visually balances with succulent foliage and late-season blooms
– Ornamental grasses (Panicum, Schizachyrium, Stipa) – enhance naturalistic appeal |
