This merry little mischief-maker popped up as a surprise seedling in Peachie Saxon's Mississippi patch and promptly declared it would never grow as tall and wobbly as its wild cousins. It stands short, stout, and full of sass in neat little clumps, then unleashes a riot of gigantic, fluffy lavender-blue pompom flowers nearly three inches wide! Blooms tumble onto the scene in late June, revel through the summer sun, and — if you snip their wilted friends — sneak back for an impish encore just to keep autumn on its toes. Its deep green leaves form a tidy rosette at the base, staying spry and semi-evergreen in gentler winters. This charming perennial is an excellent nectar source and will shine in sunny borders and mixed plantings.
Conditions: Full sun; average to moist, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid wet winters
Size: <18” tall, <18” spread
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers support pollinators like butterflies (especially tiger swallowtails), bees, and others; larval host for several moth species
Photo: KM