Product Description
Antennaria carpatica (10)ct Flat
Common name: Pussytoes
Zone 2 to 9,
Sun to part shade.
Mature foliage height 1 to 4 inches, 8 to 12 inches wide.
stoloniferous spreading evergreen groundcover.
Woolly silver-grey, almost white, foliage spreads to form a dense ground-hugging mat. Tight, white flower cluster resembles the pads or toes of a cat's paw. Light gray felt foliage slowly creeps to entirely cover the ground.
Very hardy, Antennaria carpatica grows best in lean, gritty to rocky, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils, in full sun. Thriving in bright cool summers, hot and humid summers or consistently wet conditions can be problematic; good drainage is a must.
Antennaria carpatica, also known as Carpathian Cat's Ear or Alpine Pussytoes, is a charming and low-growing perennial that is perfect for adding texture and subtle beauty to rock gardens, alpine troughs, or dry, sunny areas. Here is a closer look at what makes it a great choice for gardeners:
Appearance:
- Mat-forming: It grows as a tight, mat-forming ground cover, spreading slowly but surely to create a dense carpet of foliage.
- Silvery-green leaves: The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and covered in soft, silvery-white hairs, giving them a fuzzy, almost velvety appearance. This silvery foliage provides year-round interest, even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Unique flowers: In late spring to early summer, it produces small, papery flower heads that resemble the paws of a cat, hence the common name "Cat's Ear" or "Pussytoes." The flowers are usually white or pale pink and held on short stems just above the foliage.
Growing Conditions:
- Sun-loving: Antennaria carpatica thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens, rock gardens, and areas with poor soil.
- Well-drained soil: It is essential to plant it in well-drained soil. Soggy soil can lead to root rot.
- Tolerates poor soil: It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor, sandy, or gravelly soils.
Care and Maintenance:
- Low maintenance: Antennaria carpatica is incredibly easy to care for. Once established, it requires minimal watering, especially in well-drained soil.
- Deadheading: Removing spent flower heads can improve the plant's appearance, but it is not essential.
- Division: You can divide established clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plant and prevent the center from becoming bare.
Uses in the Garden:
- Rock gardens: Its low-growing, mat-forming habit makes it ideal for rock gardens, where it can fill in spaces between stones and add texture and interest.
- Alpine troughs: It is also well-suited for alpine troughs or containers, where its unique foliage and flowers can be appreciated up close.
- Ground cover: Planted in mass, it can create a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover in sunny, dry areas.
- Edging: It can be used to edge pathways or garden beds, adding a neat and tidy border.
Benefits:
- Drought-tolerant: Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes it a valuable plant for water-wise gardens.
- Low-maintenance: Its minimal care requirements make it an ideal plant for busy gardeners or those with dry gardens.
- Deer-resistant: Deer tend to avoid Antennaria carpatica, so it is a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
- Attractive foliage: The silvery-green foliage provides year-round interest, even when the plant is not in bloom.
If you are looking for a tough, beautiful, and low-maintenance perennial to brighten up your sunny, dry spaces, Antennaria carpatica is an excellent choice! Its unique foliage, delicate flowers, and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
