Red Feathers
Pontechium maculatum
Red Feathers (Pontechium maculatum) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Plume-like spikes of rose-red flowers; biennial that reseeds reliably.
low water12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Pontechium maculatum
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- red, pink
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red Feathers good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Red Feathers is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Red Feathers get?
- It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 10–14 in wide.
- How much water does Red Feathers need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Red Feathers native to Colorado?
- No — it is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
