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
- Photo 1: (c) Roland Godon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Tournasol7, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Roland Godon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Hot south- or west-facing walls, Hellstrips / parking strips, Between pavers & flagstones
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 1–3 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid summer
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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.
