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Flower

Form/flower

Habitat

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

This small West Texas native has deep violet flowers with a yellow throat, surrounded by feathery plumes from March to September, mostly in spring and often after rains. The small (1/4 inch) light green bi-pinnate leaves give it an airy, delicate texture. It grows on dry rocky slopes in much of the southwest. Feather dalea is spectacular when in bloom, and is a good choice for a low-growing ground cover on sunny slopes or as a low border. It is a tough, easily established, low-maintenance plant that prefers full sun and dry, poor soils; if it's fertilized or over-watered, it will produce leggy, weak growth. It may be pruned lightly to control its shape or promote new growth in the spring. Its only requirements are full sun and good drainage. One of the most cold-hardy daleas, it can survive temperatures to around 0 degrees F.

Plant Habit or Use: groundcover
small shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: purple - violet with yellow throat

Blooming Period: spring
summer

Fruit Characteristics: small indehiscent pod

Height: to 3 feet

Width: to 4 feet

Plant Character: semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: alkaline
adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: