Water deeply and regularly during active growth, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase attention during extreme summer heat; reduce watering in winter. Not suitable for unirrigated desert landscapes.
Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
An evergreen, clump-forming perennial with arching, strap-shaped leaves and rounded clusters of blue flowers on upright stalks; requires protection from Phoenix’s intense summer sun.
Bloom Time
Late spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Evergreen Foliage, Showy Flowers
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
Blue / purple / or white depending on cultivar
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio
Garden Style
Container / Patio
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Clivia, Irrigated beds, Liriope, Society garlic
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Toxic to pets & humans if ingested; sap is a skin/eye irritant.
Care Instructions
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade or bright filtered light. Avoid exposed western sites and reflected heat; deep shade reduces flowering.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during active growth, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Increase attention during extreme summer heat; reduce watering in winter. Not suitable for unirrigated desert landscapes.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; slightly acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Avoid waterlogged clay and monitor for nutrient deficiencies in Phoenix’s alkaline soils.
Mature size: Foliage reaches about 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; flower stalks reach approximately 2–3 feet tall.
Bloom: Typically late spring through summer, depending on cultivar and growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in mild winters; foliage can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
Growth rate: Moderate; slower under extreme heat or moisture stress.