Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Orange

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Enjoyed for its fine, aromatic foliage and uniquely colored flowers, this is an excellent addition to a water-wise garden. Pale grey-green leaves are licorice scented and grow along stiff, upright stems, topped with orange and lavender flowers that bloom mid to late summer. Attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees. Dead head for best flowering. It is native to mountain regions of Arizona, New Mexico and Northern Mexico.

Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, though best in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential. Plants will perform poorly and may not survive winter in unamended clay soils or over-watered soils. Plants tolerate heat and some dry soils once established. Deadhead spent flower blooms to promote additional bloom. Cut back the dead stems in late winter to early spring. Sandy/gravelly mulches will protect plants and help to avoid onset of rot.