Description
A distinctive prairie wildflower with irresistible pink feathery seed heads. Each flowering stem holds three nodding pink bell-shaped flowers. Once the flowers are fertilized, the real show begins as the nodding blooms transform into upright clusters of wispy pink plumes. A massed planting creates a pinkish haze that can last for a month. The basal leaves are fern-like and deeply serrated with hairy margins. While not truly evergreen, the leaves can persist through winter, turning attractive shades of red and crimson. Plants spread slowly by rhizome to form a groundcover and are perfectly suited for dry rock gardens. Prairie Smoke is also effective planted in groups in a perennial bed, but it does not like to be overcrowded by taller perennials. Excellent for hot dry spots, it thrives in any well-drained soil. Wet and soggy winter conditions may cause the plants to die back. Other common names include Old Mans Whiskers and Purple Avens.
Full sun | H: 12-15″ W: 18″| zone 3-7
