Big, bold, bright flowers give a suggestion of what this plant is all about. Scarlet ray petals tipped with yellow surround the dark purple centers producing 3-4” flowers that are a must for any hot border. The 12” plants are tough and survive heat, drought, and poor soil while blooming from June to frost. This plant is a true workhorse and that is its greatest virtue and greatest fault. It can bloom its heart out and not return as a perennial should. The plant is such an asset to my garden I never mind planting seeds each year to ensure a supply the following year.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Four inch flowers with scarlet petals tipped with yellow are borne from June to frost.
Size: 9-12” H x 12-18”W
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Average to poor, well drained.
Hardiness: Zones 3-9.
Care: Deadhead to encourage blooms.
Pests and Diseases: None of importance.
Propagation: Stem cuttings in late summer; root cuttings in early winter; division every 2-3 years; purchased seed.
Companion plants: Nice with golden yellow flowers like threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’) golden rod (Salidago spp); various gold and red daylilies, white Shaste daisies (Leucanthemum ) like ‘Becky; ornamental grasses.
