Pussytoes Flowers Seed ,(Red Wonder) PERENNIAL Groundcover

Antennaria dioica ‘Rubra’ — Pink Pussytoes or Red Wonder — is a native North American perennial ground cover in the Asteraceae family, forming a very low, creeping mat of tiny, bright silvery-grey leaves topped with fuzzy pink-red flower heads from late spring through midsummer. One of the few plants that genuinely thrives in hot, dry, full sun, and poor soil — an indispensable choice for challenging sites where most ground covers fail. Deer tolerant. Tolerates both dry and moist conditions as long as drainage is excellent. Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. USDA Zones 5–9.

Plant Highlights

• Fuzzy pink-red “pussytoe” flower clusters; blooms early spring through midsummer
• Very low, silvery-grey creeping mat — 4 inches tall, 10–12 inches wide
• Thrives in full sun, heat, poor soil, and dry conditions — excellent for challenging sites
• Native North American species — supports native pollinators
• Ideal for rock gardens, flagstone gaps, rock walls, mass plantings, and sunny slopes
• Slow growth rate; moderate foot traffic tolerance
• USDA Zones 5–9

Sowing Guide

Timing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date, or direct sow outdoors in a prepared seedbed in areas with long growing seasons.

Sowing: Surface sow — do not cover seeds. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface; light is required for germination. Keep consistently moist until germination. Do not expose to direct sunlight during the germination period.

Temperature: Sow at a maximum of 41°F for best results — germination is irregular and can take 42–70 days. Do not discard trays prematurely.

Transplanting: Move outdoors once temperatures are consistently warm. Plants can be divided and moved to new locations once established.

Care Guide

Soil: Sandy to clay; pH 6.2–7.2. Tolerates poor, dry soil; excellent drainage essential.

Light: Full sun required.

Maintenance: After blooming, cut or mow flower stems to keep the mat looking tidy and encourage fresh growth.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Pink Pussytoes, Red Wonder, Cat’s Paws
• Botanical name: Antennaria dioica ‘Rubra’ (syn. Antennaria rubra)
• Family: Asteraceae
• Type: Native perennial ground cover
• Bloom color: Pink-red (fuzzy pom-pom clusters)
• Bloom time: Early spring to midsummer
• Height: 4 inches | Width: 10–12 inches
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy to clay; pH 6.2–7.2; tolerates poor and dry conditions
• Foot traffic: Moderate
• Sowing rate: 8–12 seeds per plant | Germination: 42–70 days at max 41°F | Surface sow