|
Growth Rate
|
Moderate; typically 6–10" per year.
Mature size: 2–3 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide, forming a rounded, mounded shrub.
|
|
Colorful leaves
|
|
|
Flowering
|
Yes |
|
Bloom Color
|
|
|
Disease resistant
|
Yes |
|
Cold Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Heat Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Drought Tolerant
|
Yes |
|
Deer Resistant
|
Yes |
|
Edible
|
No |
|
Wildlife Attraction
|
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with nectar- and pollen-rich flowers.
Provides cover for small birds and insects in mixed shrub borders.
|
|
Self-pollinating
|
|
|
Seasonality
|
Spring: foliage emerges, early flowers begin late spring.
Summer: peak bloom, abundant orange-red flowers.
Fall: continued bloom until frost; foliage may turn yellow.
Winter: twiggy structure adds minimal interest.
|
|
Ideal For
|
– Borders, mass plantings, low hedges, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, foundation beds, commercial landscapes needing color and toughness |
|
Leaf Description
|
Small, pinnate leaves with 5–7 narrow leaflets.
Medium green foliage; fine texture complements bright blooms.
Deciduous in cold climates; semi-evergreen in mild winters.
|
|
Flower Description
|
Bright orange to orange-red, five-petaled flowers, 1–1.5" across.
Blooms profusely from late spring to early fall, often in waves with light shearing.
Known for its vibrant “sunset” color that can deepen or soften depending on temperature.
|
|
Planting Instructions
|
Plant in spring or early fall for best establishment.
Choose a site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, same depth as the root flare.
Backfill with native soil; only lightly amend if soil is very poor.
Water deeply after planting; apply a 2–3" mulch layer to conserve soil moisture, keeping mulch away from the crown.
Space 2–4 ft apart depending on desired hedge or mass planting density.
|
|
Pruning & Maintenance
|
Light pruning in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak growth.
After the first flush of bloom, a light trim encourages rebloom and neatness.
Every 3–4 years, rejuvenation pruning (cutting back to 6–12" from the ground) can refresh vigor and keep the plant compact.
|
|
Water Needs
|
Moderate water needs; water consistently during the first growing season.
Once established, drought tolerant, but flowering improves with occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
Avoid poorly drained, soggy soils.
|
|
Light Needs
|
Full sun is essential for best flower color intensity and heavy bloom.
Can tolerate very light shade, but flowering and vibrancy will be reduced.
|
|
Harvesting
|
Not grown for harvest; ornamental use only.
Flowers are not typically suitable for cut arrangements.
|
|
Fertilizing
|
Low fertilizer needs; thrives in lean soils.
In spring, apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar).
Avoid heavy nitrogen, which reduces bloom.
|
|
Pollination
|
Insect-pollinated; attracts bees and butterflies.
Produces small, dry fruits (achenes), but ornamental value is mainly in the flowers.
|
|
Companion Plants
|
Pair with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant shrubs like Spiraea, Berberis (non-invasive cultivars), and Caryopteris.
Combine with ornamental grasses (Panicum, Festuca, Calamagrostis) for texture and seasonal contrast.
Works well with perennials such as Coreopsis, Salvia, Nepeta, and Rudbeckia for continuous bloom.
Evergreens like Juniperus or Buxus make excellent structural companions.
|
