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Growth Rate
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Moderate; develops into a dense, rounded shrub.
Mature size: approximately 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide.
Compact and naturally tidy, requiring little intervention to maintain shape.
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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 hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies during the flowering season.
Provides nectar but little wildlife shelter due to compact size.
Generally deer resistant, though young shoots may be nibbled occasionally.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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Spring: New growth and first heavy bloom flush.
Summer: Continued flowering with attractive foliage color.
Fall: Foliage may develop deeper bronze tones before dropping.
Winter: Compact structure provides visual interest and texture in dormant months.
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Ideal For
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– Perfect for borders, low hedges, foundation plantings, mixed beds, or as a compact accent in small gardens and containers |
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Leaf Description
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Oval, green leaves with a distinctive purplish-bronze tint on newer growth.
Fine texture and medium density create a lush, compact appearance.
Foliage provides rich contrast to the plant’s bright blooms.
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Flower Description
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Produces abundant, tubular-shaped flowers in deep pink to rosy-red with soft white throats.
Blooms heavily in late spring to early summer, with a light rebloom possible in late summer.
Flowers are fragrant and highly ornamental, standing out against dark foliage.
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Planting Instructions
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Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth as the container.
Loosen surrounding soil and amend with compost or aged organic matter to improve texture and fertility.
Place the shrub so the crown is level with the soil surface, backfill gently, and water deeply.
Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch away from the main stems.
For group plantings, space 2–3 feet apart to allow air circulation and mature spread.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Prune immediately after flowering, as next year’s blooms develop on old wood.
Remove spent flower clusters and thin older stems at the base to encourage new growth.
Lightly shape the plant to maintain a compact, rounded form.
Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall to prevent removing next season’s buds.
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Water Needs
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Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season to establish deep roots.
Once established, moderately drought tolerant, but regular deep watering enhances bloom performance.
Avoid overly soggy conditions; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
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Light Needs
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Prefers full sun (6+ hours daily) for the best bloom color and density.
Tolerates light partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
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Harvesting
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After flowering, small brown seed capsules form, but they are not ornamental.
For tidier appearance, remove spent blooms before seed formation.
Propagation is best done via softwood cuttings in early summer rather than from seed.
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Fertilizing
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Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10).
A second light feeding after flowering can promote strong new growth.
Incorporate compost annually to maintain soil health and moisture balance.
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Pollination
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Insect-pollinated, primarily by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds attracted to its tubular flowers.
Self-fertile, but cross-pollination may increase seed production.
Flowers provide an abundant nectar source for pollinators.
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Companion Plants
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Perennials: Salvia, Coreopsis, Echinacea, and Nepeta for complementary colors and textures.
Shrubs: Spiraea, Potentilla, and Dwarf Lilac for mixed borders.
Evergreens: Boxwood, Juniper, or small Thuja varieties for structure and contrast.
Works beautifully in foundation plantings, borders, or as a low, colorful hedge.
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