Species fameflower
purple, star-like flowers with orange stamens, purple stems, buds, and green, needle-like leaves

fameflower

Phemeranthus calycinus

The Fameflower (Phemeranthus calycinus) is an eye-catching, easy-to-care-for plant native to the southwestern United States. It grows in a mounding habit and produces small, five-petaled, star-shaped flowers in shades of bright pink, salmon, and purple. This drought-tolerant plant prefers rocky soils with good drainage and full sun for optimal growth; planting in the spring defends against frosts and periods of extreme cold. While perfect for growing in rock gardens, Fameflower also brightens any flowerbed or container garden. Its evergreen foliage stays green in winter, maintaining the beauty of your landscape year-round.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Rose pink, rose red Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Fameflower should be watered every 7-10 days. It is best to water when the soil feels dry to the touch, approximately 1-2 inches down. Water deeply enough so that the water reaches the root. When in doubt, water less as overwatering can be more harmful than underwatering. Water the plant in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out during the day.

sunlight

Fameflower (Phemeranthus calycinus) prefers full sunlight for the majority of the day, ideally 6 to 8 hours. This sun exposure should be direct but not intense, so it’s best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. During the cooler months, Fameflower may tolerate some direct morning sunlight, and partial sun in the afternoon. The more direct sunlight Fameflower receives, the more vivid the flower color will be.

pruning

Fameflower (Phemeranthus calycinus) is an evergreen perennial with a low, trailing growth habit that makes it ideal for borders and rock gardens. To keep the plant tidy, it should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. For more vigorous growth, you can prune back the stems to the ground or to 4-6 inches above the soil level. Make sure to cut away old or dead stems and trim back overgrown or leggy branches. It's best to use sharp shears to prevent damage to the plant. Finally, avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at any 1 time and prune away any flowers that emerge during the late summer or early fall.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Fameflower typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map