1995 Perennial Plant of the Year

Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Light: Full sun preferred.

Soil: Well-drained garden soil. Tolerate of dry soils.

Uses: Accent plant, or massed as a ground cover.

Unique Qualities: The light blue flowers are particularly striking when planted along with white flowered perennials. Its silver-gray, foliage and stiff stems are striking in the winter garden. It reaches heights of nearly 4 feet and it is categorized as a sub-shrub with a woody base. It begins flowering in July and the12-inch or longer spikes often last throughout September.

Planting Information: Bare root plants are best planted in early spring; potted plants should be set at the same depth as they were in the pot. Plant from spring until one month before a hard killing frost.

Propagation: Most easily propagated by 3-4 inch long stem cuttings. Propagation by division is possible, but slow. Seeds require a short cold treatment of about 30 days.