1 / 6
Overview
A clump-forming perennial reaching 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Basal leaves are deeply palmately lobed, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across, with 5–7 toothed lobes, medium green. Stems branch in the upper portion, each terminating in a pincushion-like flower head approximately 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across. Each head consists of a dome of tiny florets surrounded by a collar of papery, pointed bracts in white, greenish-white, or pink, often with darker veining. Flowers are intricate in structure and long-lasting when cut. Bloom occurs June through August; deadheading promptly after the first flush may encourage a second flush in late summer. Plants self-seed freely; seedlings of named cultivars may not come true to the parent. Grows best in cool, moist conditions; foliage deteriorates in hot, dry summers. Hardy in zones 4–7; may struggle in zone 8 heat.
Native Range
Native to central and eastern Europe, from the Alps and Carpathians through the Caucasus region, growing in moist meadows, open woodland margins, and stream sides at elevations from 1,600–6,500 feet (500–2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Commonly planted in shade borders and woodland gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Tolerates dry shade less well than many shade perennials; requires moisture. Cut flowers last 10–14 days in water. Self-seeding habit naturalizes plantings over time but requires management in formal settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms June through August in zones 4–7, with peak bloom in June and July. Deadheading immediately after the first flush may produce a second, lighter bloom in August–September. Individual flower heads last 3–4 weeks on the plant. In zones 8–9, bloom quality and duration are reduced by summer heat.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, greenish-white, pink with darker veiningFoliage Description
medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. In cooler climates (zones 4–6), tolerates full sun if soil remains consistently moist. Foliage scorches and plants decline in hot, dry summers without supplemental water. Mulch 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) deep to conserve moisture. Deadhead promptly after the first bloom flush to reduce self-seeding and encourage reblooming. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigor. Self-sown seedlings appear reliably but may not match parent cultivar characteristics.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower heads immediately after bloom to reduce prolific self-seeding and encourage a second flush. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall after frost or in early spring. Remove seedlings that arise in unwanted locations; they establish quickly. Divide in early spring every 3–4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons