Moroccan pincushion flower
Pterocephalus depressus
Moroccan pincushion flower (Pterocephalus depressus) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–3 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Tight 1-inch mat of fuzzy gray-green leaves; bubblegum-pink pincushion flowers all summer.
Plant Select®low water1–3 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
Ready to plant this?
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Pterocephalus depressus
- Variety / cultivar
- (species, Plant Select)
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 1–3 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Hot south- or west-facing walls, Hellstrips / parking strips, Between pavers & flagstones
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Moroccan pincushion flower as a groundcover
Moroccan pincushion flower forms a low mat. It fills in to a moderately dense cover.
Planting & establishment
Needs sharp drainage; rots in wet shade.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Moroccan pincushion flower good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Moroccan pincushion flower is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Moroccan pincushion flower get?
- It matures to about 1–3 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Moroccan pincushion flower?
- Space Moroccan pincushion flower about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Moroccan pincushion flower hardy on the Front Range?
- Moroccan pincushion flower is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Moroccan pincushion flower need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Moroccan pincushion flower native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Moroccan pincushion flower deer-resistant?
- Moroccan pincushion flower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Can you walk on Moroccan pincushion flower?
- Moroccan pincushion flower isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Will Moroccan pincushion flower spread or stay put?
- Moroccan pincushion flower is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- How long does Moroccan pincushion flower bloom?
- Moroccan pincushion flower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
