Growth Rate
|
– Moderate to fast
– Forms a dense, low mound within one growing season |
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, hoverflies, and butterflies during bloom period
– A valuable late-summer nectar source |
Self-pollinating
|
|
Seasonality
|
– Spring: new foliage emerges and forms compact mound
– Summer: foliage matures, flower buds begin to develop
– Late summer to early fall: full bloom with soft pink “puffs”
– Winter: seed heads may persist if not cut; foliage dies back in colder climates |
Ideal For
|
– Rock gardens
– Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant landscapes
– Pollinator gardens
– Edging, borders, and containers
– Mass plantings or groundcover in sunny dry areas |
Leaf Description
|
– Fleshy, blue-green leaves held tightly on short stems
– Slightly toothed, oblong, and succulent in texture
– Forms a soft-looking yet dense and neat cushion |
Flower Description
|
– Clusters of fluffy, soft pink blooms that resemble a powder puff
– Flowers appear in late summer to early fall (August–September)
– Rounded, dome-shaped inflorescences cover the mound of foliage
– Blooms retain their color well before fading to a papery texture |
Planting Instructions
|
– Plant in early spring or fall for optimal establishment
– Space 14–18 inches apart to allow for natural mounding spread
– Requires well-drained soil—ideal in gravelly, sandy, or average loams
– Avoid clay or overly rich soils which may cause rot or floppiness
– Set crown level with soil surface and water lightly after planting |
Pruning & Maintenance
|
– Very little pruning required
– Can shear lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape
– Remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring if needed |
Water Needs
|
– Drought tolerant once established
– Water moderately during the first few weeks to establish roots
– Thereafter, water only during prolonged dry periods
– Avoid overwatering or standing moisture |
Light Needs
|
– Requires full sun (6 or more hours/day) for compact growth and vibrant coloration
– Can tolerate light shade, but foliage color and bloom density may decline |
Harvesting
|
– Flower heads can be cut fresh during peak bloom for miniature arrangements
– May also be dried by hanging upside down once fully opened
– Not commonly harvested for foliage |
Fertilizing
|
– Low fertilizer needs; thrives in lean soils
– Apply a light compost topdressing in early spring if desired
– Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to maintain compact growth and flowering |
Pollination
|
– Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
– Primarily ornamental; not propagated by seed |
Companion Plants
|
– Thymus praecox or Thymus serpyllum – complementary habit and sun-loving
– Sempervivum and Delosperma – other low-growing, drought-tolerant succulents
– Coreopsis verticillata – fine foliage contrast and bright blooms
– Allium ‘Millenium’ – adds vertical interest and shares bloom timing
– Festuca glauca – soft-textured, blue foliage contrast |