Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Resembling the cottage garden Sweet William, this unusual dryland species is notable for its showy display of dark-red, clustered flowers, held high on wiry stems. The long, narrow tufts of blue-green foliage give it a distinctive look. Blooms late spring to early summer. Fabulous cut flower. The foliage clumps grow about 8 inches or so, with the flower soaring upwards to 24 inches; grows about 12 inches wide.

Grows easily in most soil types and thrives in hot, sunny spots. Take care when you are cleaning up the garden in the spring that you don't accidentally pull this flower out, thinking it a clump of stray, wild grass. Its basal foliage is remarkably grass-like.