PUSSYTOES Flowers Seed, (WHITE) PERENNIAL GROUNDCOVER

Antennaria dioica — Pussytoes — is one of the toughest, most drought-tolerant ground cover plants available, surviving hot sun, poor soil, and dry conditions that defeat most other plants. A native Northern Hemisphere perennial in the Asteraceae family, it forms a very low, creeping mat of tiny, bright silvery-grey leaves topped by fuzzy white flower clusters in late spring. At just 4 inches tall and spreading 10–12 inches wide, Pussytoes is outstanding for rock gardens, between flagstones, on top of stone walls, and anywhere a dense, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant carpet is needed. Slow but reliable from seed. USDA Zones 5–9.

Plant Highlights

• Extremely drought, heat, and poor-soil tolerant — thrives where most plants fail
• Silvery-grey creeping mat topped by fuzzy white flowers in late spring through mid-summer
• Only 4 inches tall; spreads 10–12 inches wide — dense, weed-suppressing ground cover
• Moderate foot traffic tolerance
• Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; high species diversity in North America
• USDA Zones 5–9

Sowing Guide

Timing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost, or direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed.

Depth: Do not cover seed — press lightly into moist soil surface. Light required for germination (no direct sunlight).

Temperature: Sow at a maximum of 41°F (5°C). Germination is irregular and spread over several months.

Germination: 42–70 days. Keep seeds consistently moist throughout the germination period. Patience required — this is a slow, cool germinator.

Rate: 8–12 seeds per plant.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun required.

Soil: Sandy to clay; pH 6.2–7.2. Tolerates poor, dry soils well — does not require amendment or fertilization once established.

Water: Very drought tolerant once established. Water seedlings until established, then minimal irrigation needed.

Best uses: Rock gardens, between flagstones, mass ground cover, on top of stone walls, sunny slopes, and drought-prone sites.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Pussytoes, Mountain Everlasting
• Botanical name: Antennaria dioica
• Type: Native perennial ground cover
• Bloom: Fuzzy white clusters | Bloom time: Late spring through mid-summer
• Height: 4 inches | Width: 10–12 inches
• Growth rate: Slow
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun (no direct sun during germination)
• Soil: Sandy to clay; pH 6.2–7.2 | Drought tolerant: Yes
• Foot traffic: Moderate
• Sowing: Surface sow — press lightly, do not cover | Germ: 42–70 days at max 41°F | Rate: 8–12 seeds per plant