Perennial Shrub
Flowers that bloom in late-winter are true harbingers of spring. ‘Red Mountain’ is a stunning variety that sports long lasting purple-rose flowers. This is an evergreen, bushy, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 14″ tall with a similar spread. Nodding, cup-shaped, deep rose-purple flowers (to 2″ diameter) with overlapping petals and center crowns of conspicuously contrasting yellow stamens appear in clusters (cymes) at the tips of leafy stems from February through April. Bloom period can be longer in mild winters. Glossy, deeply-cut, dark green, evergreen leaves are deeply lobed and divided into 7-10, narrow, lance-shaped to elliptic, usually-toothed segments. Does best in moist, well-drained, humus-enriched soil. Valued for the unusual winter flowering. Naturalizes easily and flourishes in the southern garden.
Planting Instructions: Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly. Easily grown in organically rich, humusy, alkaline, medium wet, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers light to moderate shade.
Tolerant of summer heat and humidity.
Cut back flowering stems after bloom to promote new foliage growth. Locate plants in areas protected from cold winter winds. These plants possess the unique ability to bloom in subfreezing winter temperatures, often when snow is on the ground. Although the foliage is evergreen, it may become scorched and tattered in extremely harsh winters, particularly if not protected from cold winter winds and/or insulated by snow cover.
Pests or Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems.
