I do declare, Miss Scarlet, you are a lovely flower indeed! This unique, showy flower dazzles with its spiky blooms and vibrant color. It blooms for an amazing eight weeks, attracts scores of pollinators, spreads via rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies, and makes a terrific cut flower. As a member of the mint family, both the leaves and flowers are edible and are commonly brewed into tea. A low-maintenance option to add stunning color to your garden, though be sure to give it plenty of air circulation to combat the possibility of powdery mildew.
Conditions: Full to part sun; moist, well-draining, fertile soils
Size: 2’-4’ tall; 2’-3’ spread
Zone: 3 – 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract butterflies, hummingbird moths, and hummingbirds
Photo: sonnia hill