ButterflyBushes.com Pincushion Flower

You can expect a very long season. This perennial begins blooming in April and will continue to produce its blue-purple flowers consistently until the first frost of the season.

For the best performance and flower production, it requires full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it might survive in partial shade, you will likely see fewer blooms and a less compact growth habit.

While the plant is relatively low-maintenance, regular deadheading is the secret to keeping it blooming prolifically. Removing the spent flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to direct energy into producing new buds.

Its compact size makes it an excellent candidate for containers. Just ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes, as this plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in standing water.

This perennial is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. If you live within these zones, it should return reliably each spring.

Since the mature spread is 12 to 18 inches, you should space them about 15 to 18 inches apart. This allows for good air circulation, which helps keep the foliage healthy throughout the growing season.