Plant this tall perennial at the back of a flower border, in an easy-care native plant or meadow garden, or among shrubs for a burst of late-season flower color. This tall, showy North American native is also a food and habitat source for wildlife. See more plants that offer seasonal color.
Boltonia Care Must-Knows
Boltonia tolerates a wide range of soil types, including moderately dry ones. For best results, plant this perennial in full sun and well-drained soil with medium moisture. Plants grown in part shade and moist, rich soil tend to develop weak stems and need staking as they mature. Plant boltonia in spring or early summer and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage young plants to develop a strong root system. Although this late-season showstopper is typically started from nursery-grown transplants, it’s also easy to start from seed planted directly in the garden in spring. Promote dense, compact growth by pinching or cutting back stems in late spring or early summer by one-third their length. The plant will push out new, branched growth and be less likely to require staking when blooming in fall. Boltonia spreads slowly via creeping rhizomes. Divide it as necessary in early spring as soon as the shoots emerge from the soil. Here’s how to divide perennials.
