Another Plant Delights purchase from maybe eight years ago, this plant is growing well in the challenging, dry partial shade of the Douglas fir bed. And it doesn’t seem to mind! Extremely carefree and drought tolerant, it is spreading out a bit and blooms well every year now.
The foliage is remarkable enough, with large, textured, and spiny leaves clumping up to three feet across. Then, in July, the flower spikes add a sculptural element that is very intricate and symmetrical and subtly colored.
My 2020 plans for this plant are to try some root cuttings in the next month or two to see if I can get some clones to spread around the yard and share or sell.