Description
Something of a new introduction from the Ala Tau of Kazakhstan, whence it has been known and named for over 150 years.
Gorgeous 5 cm domed heads of deep cherry red from even darker, wine red buds. These heads are made on stems that vary from 25 to 50 cm in height and appear in June. The Flora of China (for it grows there as well) describes other colours but it is difficult to be sure if these are even the same species in this complex group belonging to a complex genus!
Whatever, this is a very good species, making an excellent and colourful display but one accompanied by a restrained habit below ground, where it makes few, if any,offsets. Increase is a long slow process from seed. Garden conditions seem fine for this one, dry in summer.
