WHAT: In early summer, dichelostemma congestum, also known as ookow, produces compact balls of long-lasting, lilac-purple flowers 2 to 3 inches across.
WHY PLANT IT: It looks ideal in combination with sun-loving grasses and other bulbs. It is native to the West Coast and grows naturally in open, grassy areas.
WHERE: Ookow prefers well-drained soil in full sun.
HOW: Very little maintenance is required. It is drought tolerant and actually prefers no summer water.
WARNING: It works well as a cut flower, but its sap can be irritating to some people’s skin.
ACTUAL SIZE: This deciduous perennial grows stems 16 to 36 inches tall. Two or three narrow, grasslike leaves decorate its base.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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