Description

Minimum order of 5 roots.

***Same day shipping!
(if ordered before 11am)

An important plant in the fall during butterfly and hummingbird migrations, this perennial sometimes requires two years before making a bloom if planted by seed. Plant live roots now and you will see beautiful tall purple flowers this fall! Perennial flowers live and bloom year after year!



Planting:
Root rot can occur if not planted in a well drained site. Carefully separate roots from each other. Open up a hole in the earth for each root. Set the root down into the hole, being careful to set the top of the root crown even with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil gently into place with your fingers. Create a ‘planting well’, or saucer shape, on top of the ground. Fill the well with water after the roots are in the ground. A deep soaking will be best achieved by flooding the ‘planting well’ on the first watering.

Mulching the Roots:
It is very helpful to mulch your newly planted roots. Mulch the top of the soil 1” to 2” with organic compost or some other non-packing organic matter. Tip: you can reuse the packing material (Eastern Gamagrass leaves) for your mulch. This keeps the roots cool and the soil moist by shading the soil so the sun can’t bake away the precious soil moisture.

Watering:
Carefully check newly transplanted roots for sufficient soil moisture, especially during hot weather. There are no timetables for watering, as watering requirements vary from season to season and according to local weather.

When you water, water thoroughly. Allow water to soak in to the soil around the roots. Light overhead sprinklings are not sufficient. An initial soaking at planting time is essential. Re-water when the soil dries out. CAUTION: Frequent watering will cause elongation of flower spikes which will fall to the ground. Continue to water throughout the first summer season as necessary until the plant is established. Always check the soil moisture before watering, then soak the earth thoroughly if dry. No fertilizing is necessary.