From June through September, it is covered in dense, glowing orange-red spikes. These blooms are constant "pollinator magnets," bringing the garden to life with hummingbirds and bees. Late Summer/

While many perennials fade, Honeysticks stays vibrant. Its colorful calyces (the husks that hold the flowers) retain their bright hue even after the petals drop, keeping the stems looking "in bloom" much longer. The foliage provides interest all season; the leaves have a distinct licorice or mint scent that is released whenever someone brushes past or touches the plant. Late Fall/

If left unpruned, the dried seed heads provide a beautiful architectural silhouette against frost and serve as a vital food source for songbirds during the colder months.