Other Names:  Sunshine Mimosa, Sensitive Plant

Description:

A fast growing, mat forming groundcover that withstands mowing and foot traffic; drought tolerant once established, and used in xeriscaping; pretty deep pink flowers dot the landscape from spring into summer; an excellent groundcover for sunny, dry areas

Ornamental Features

Powderpuff features dainty spikes of hot pink pincushion flowers with dark red eyes and buttery yellow tips rising above the foliage from mid spring to late summer. Its tiny narrow bipinnately compound leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Powderpuff is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Powderpuff is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Powderpuff will grow to be only 5 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any 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 type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.