About

This tough herbaceous group of perennials, to 2m in height, with whorled, oval leaves and erect purplish stems bearing flat, terminal clusters of small, tubular, deep rose-purple flowers in mid and late summer.

About the genus

A small genus of five flowering herbaceous perennial species native to North America. Erect, stout stems carry lance-shaped leaves and terminal large, fluffy clusters of many small, pink, sometimes white flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningCut back at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in spring or autumn, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free