Rock Harlequin

Rock Harlequin is a delicate-looking but rugged biennial or short-lived perennial native to rocky outcrops, open woods, and disturbed sites across much of North America. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and forms lacy, bluish-green foliage that resembles a fine-leaved fern. From late spring into summer—and sometimes again in fall—it produces tubular pink flowers tipped with yellow, which dangle gracefully from loose clusters and attract bees and other insect pollinators.

Unlike many garden plants, rock harlequin thrives in well-drained, lean, even gravelly soils and partial shade. It can self-seed in the right conditions, adding a sense of spontaneity to naturalistic plantings.

• Prefers dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil; avoid overly rich or wet conditions.
• Little pruning needed; deadhead if you want to limit self-seeding.
• Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils; best in well-drained locations with minimal fertility.
• Avoid heavy mulching—this plant prefers open, gritty soils and can be smothered by dense organic mulch.
• Let seedlings establish naturally—this is a short-lived plant that relies on reseeding to persist. Allow it to seed freely if you want it to return year to year.