Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
White Meadowsweet vs Upright Prairie Coneflower
Spiraea alba
Ratibida columnifera
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
White Meadowsweet is a woody, deciduous shrub that begins to bloom in early summer with small white and pink flowers. Its foliage turns from a light green into an attractive golden-yellow later in the fall.
The White Meadowsweet, also known as Mead-Wort or Bride-Wort, is favored by birds and butterflies but is largely ignored by deer. They produce small brown berries in the summer, and while they are technically edible, they are not sweet and are more desired by wildlife.
Upright Prairie Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant flowers, which range from golden yellow to dark rust-red with yellow edges. Rising on tall, slender stems, the flowers’ drooping petals surround a central cone. They bloom from midsummer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. After blooming, the florets on the cone eventually develop into seeds, which provide a food source for birds.
Its upright growth habit allows it to grow in clusters, creating a striking display. Due to its deep taproot, Upright Prairie Coneflower is drought tolerant, making it well suited to dry areas and xeriscape gardens. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, this wildflower is a great choice for adding vibrant color and ecological value to any landscape.
As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.