Porter Weed Dwarf Red (Stachytarpheta mutabilis 'Dwarf Red')

 Porter Weed Dwarf Red (Stachytarpheta mutabilis 'Dwarf Red') 

Plant Description:  

Porter Weed Dwarf Red is a smaller, more compact variety of the larger Porter Weed species. It produces vibrant red or coral-colored flower spikes that emerge above its lush, green foliage. These tiny tubular flowers bloom in succession along the spike, making it a constant source of nectar for pollinators. The plant has a bushy, spreading habit and is perfect for adding color and attracting wildlife.

Native Range:  

The larger species, Stachytarpheta mutabilis, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.

USDA Growing Zones:  

Porter Weed Dwarf Red thrives in zones 9 to 11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In cooler regions, it is typically treated as an annual or can be overwintered indoors.

Height and Width:  

- Height: Generally grows between 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm).

- Width: Spreads about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), forming a compact, bushy mound.

Light Requirements:  

Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates. More sun leads to more prolific flowering.

Soil Requirements:  

Porter Weed is adaptable to a range of soils, but it prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. It can tolerate poorer soils, but for best results, amend with compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.

Watering:  

It requires regular watering, especially in the heat of summer, but can handle some drought once established. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Humidity:  

This tropical plant enjoys warm temperatures and high humidity. It’s sensitive to frost and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Uses:  

- Ornamental: The striking red flowers make this plant an excellent choice for borders, flower beds, containers, and tropical gardens. It also works well as a ground cover.

- Pollinator Garden: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes.

- Wildlife: It's a valuable nectar source, especially for butterfly gardens.

 

Maintenance:  

It is a low-maintenance plant but benefits from regular pruning or pinching back to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading the spent flower spikes can also prolong blooming. It may be cut back in winter or early spring to refresh its growth for the next season.

 

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.