High Country Gardens
Eriogonum umbellatum 'Poncha Pass Red'
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners in dry, wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Discover the charm of Eriogonum umbellatum 'Poncha Pass Red', a durable and long-lived native wildflower that forms a miniature shrub. This plant dazzles with bright yellow flower clusters in late spring, which gracefully mature into deep red seed heads by late summer. Celebrated as a 2014 Plant of the Year, it's an excellent nectar source for native bees and thrives in dry climates. Its evergreen foliage offers year-round interest, making it a hardy and easy-to-grow addition to any landscape, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and West regions.
$21.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Mature Height
46
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants for arid, water-restricted landscapes
- Landscapers wanting multi-seasonal visual interest and vibrant fall foliage
- Conservationists aiming to support local bee and butterfly populations
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for rapid groundcover establishment
- Homeowners with heavy clay soil or poor drainage conditions
- Gardeners with limited space or significant shade coverage
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in xeric landscapes with minimal supplemental irrigation once established.
Pollinator Utility
Provides a vital nectar source for native bee populations throughout summer.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that demands very little pruning or specialized care.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, keeping your garden beds intact.
Visual Longevity
Evergreen foliage and shifting flower colors ensure year-round landscape interest.
Climate Adaptability
Best suited for Western regions with well-drained, low-fertility soil conditions.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4-6 inches
Mature Spread
12-15 inches
Growing Zones
3-7
Ships As
Potted Plant (5" Deep Pot)
Soil Type
Low Fertility Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Watering Needs
Low-Water (Waterwise)
Native To
North America
Awards
HCG Plant Of The Year (2014)
Features
- Durable, long-lived miniature shrub
- Attracts native bees
- Drought resistant (xeric)
- Evergreen foliage for year-round interest
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant
- Easy to grow
- Exclusive High Country Gardens introduction
- Bright yellow flowers turn dark red
What customers say
Consumers frequently highlight the outstanding quality of the plants upon arrival, noting their robust health and successful establishment. The primary theme is reliability; this variety consistently proves its hardiness, thriving in challenging, arid environments where other plants fail. Gardeners appreciate the dependable performance and vibrant color display, confirming the excellent value this durable, low maintenance perennial offers for xeriscaping projects.
Know before you buy
This plant requires well-drained soil and performs best in low-fertility conditions. Avoid planting it in heavy clay or overly rich, amended soils, as it prefers the lean, gritty environment of its native habitat.
Since this variety has a mature spread of 12 to 15 inches, you should space them at least 15 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their mounding growth habit.
No, it is a drought-resistant, waterwise plant. Once established, it requires very little supplemental irrigation and is well-suited for dry, xeric landscapes.
This variety is considered resistant to both deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, it is generally ignored by these animals in favor of more palatable options.
Yes, it maintains its foliage year-round, providing consistent color and structure even in winter. It is hardy in zones 3 through 7, making it a reliable choice for regions with cold winters.
No maintenance is required. The flowers naturally transition from bright yellow in late spring to deep red seed heads by late summer, providing a beautiful, evolving display without any need for deadheading.
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$22