PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, sunny prairie conditions; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Watering
Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; tolerates hot, dry summer temperatures; dormant in cold winters
Characteristics
- Leaf: Rough, hairy lanceolate leaves with serrated margins; gray-green foliage
- Flower: Dense terminal spikes of small purple to lavender tubular blooms
- Stem: Stiff, upright, hairy stems with branching near the top
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly to establish young plants; reduce watering once mature and drought-tolerant
Fertilization
Light feed once at emergence with balanced organic matter. Over-fertilization can reduce flowering and promote leggy growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base in early spring; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent irritationPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering through late summer
- Cut back to basal foliage after first frost to tidy the planting and prepare for winter dormancy
- Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Native pollinator garden plant; supports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
