Piedmont Barbara's buttons

Year-round

Piedmont Barbara's buttons is a Southeast plant, so Harrisburg is outside its range and this is cultivation only. It is rated hardy to zone 5 through 8, which covers Harrisburg. Sharp drainage is the key.

• Full sun to part shade
• Tolerates clay, sand or shallow rocky soil if it drains
• Stays about 2 feet tall
• Drought tolerant once established

Its airy white flowers suit cottage-style beds. Cut back spent stalks for a tidy curb view.

Fall

Fall planting works in Harrisburg if done early enough for roots to settle. Seedlings can pop up near the parent plant.

• Plant by early fall
• Move or share extra seedlings
• Cut back only after stems brown
• Keep leaves off the crown

Winter

Winters are within its hardiness range. Wet soil is a bigger threat than cold.

• Avoid planting in low, wet spots
• No heavy winter mulch needed
• Leave stems standing or trim in late winter
• Expect regrowth in spring

Spring

Plant in spring once the soil warms and choose the best drained spot you have. New plants need steady moisture at first.

• Set plants in a raised or sloped spot in heavy clay
• Water weekly for the first month
• Do not overfeed
• Mark the spot since growth starts late

Summer

Established plants want evenly moist to dry conditions, not soggy soil. Water only in extended dry weather.

• Water deeply only during long dry spells
• Skip mulch piled against stems
• Let flowers set seed if you want new seedlings
• Expect few pest problems