Dracocephalum botryoides
Dracocephalum botryoides, commonly known as Cluster Dragonhead, is a captivating perennial perfect for rock gardens. This hardy plant forms dense, low-lying mats of green foliage, accented by clusters of tubular, deep blue to violet flowers that bloom profusely in late spring and early summer. The blossoms, held on short stems, attract a variety of pollinators, adding vibrant life to your garden. Reaching a modest height of 4-6 inches, Cluster Dragonhead is ideal for ground cover, edging, or filling crevices between rocks.
Native Range: Cluster Dragonhead is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly found in the rocky slopes and alpine meadows of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Its natural habitat lends it exceptional drought tolerance and a preference for well-drained soils, making it a resilient choice for rock gardens.
Care Instructions:
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils.
Watering: Requires minimal watering once established; drought-tolerant.
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 4-7.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
Special Features:
Attractive to bees and butterflies
Deer and rabbit resistant
Excellent for xeriscaping
Add a touch of exotic alpine beauty to your rock garden with the hardy and beautiful Dracocephalum botryoides. Its striking flowers and tough nature make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and resilience.