Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Pussy Toes, Pussy-Toes

Description:

This native groundcover is ideal for xeriscaping; fuzzy silver leaves and rising pink flowers make this a unique addition to rock and alpine gardens; serves as a food source for the caterpillar for the Painted Lady butterfly

Ornamental Features

Red Pussytoes features tiny balls of pink flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which emerge from distinctive rose flower buds. Its attractive small tomentose narrow leaves remain grayish green in colour throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Red Pussytoes is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Red Pussytoes is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Red Pussytoes will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 4 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.