A native of southwestern United States where it inhabits dry plains and rocky hillsides, Perky Sue is an evergreen herbaceous perennial also known as four nerve daisy and slender-stem bitterweed. It forms clumps of small grassy blue-green leaves with masses of bright yellow flowers in spring with periodic bloom throughout the summer. Each daisy-like flower is one inch across and is borne singly on a leafless stem several inches above the mound of foliage. Butterflies love perky Sue but deer find it bitter and tend to avoid it. With low water requirements it is an excellent choice for xeriscapes and is attractive in rock gardens and border edgings. It is intolerant of pollution and therefore not suitable for urban use.
Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Bright yellow daisy-like flowers in spring, periodically in summer
Size: 4-12″ H x 6-8″ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Infertile, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Care: Clean up in early spring before growth begins
Hardiness: Zones 4-9 (best in West)
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division
Companion Plants:Ice plant, plains skullcap, blue fescue, small cactus, yucca, and agave.
Karen Meyers