PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense alpine UV exposure; avoid dense, prolonged shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established in well-drained media
Temperature
Hardy to subzero alpine temperatures; avoid prolonged heat above 28°C to prevent stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Basal rosette of narrow, woolly gray-green leaves; stem leaves smaller and clasping to stems
- Flower: Solitary purple-pink composite flower head with spiny, silvery bracts at the base
- Stem: Slender, densely hairy stems with minimal branching
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods
Fertilization
Diluted low-nitrogen feed once every 6 weeks. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer to support flower production without weakening stems
Crushed eggshell powder：Sprinkle a thin layer of finely crushed eggshells on the soil surface to boost drainage and add calcium; avoid overapplication to prevent pH elevationPruning
- Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage extended blooming through late summer
- Trim back faded foliage in late autumn to tidy clumps and reduce overwintering pest habitat
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to maintain plant vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental rock garden plant; supports native pollinators including bees and butterflies
