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How to Grow Wolfstail

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Wolfstail

Pseudolysimachion spicatum

flower

Wolfstail is a striking ornamental perennial native to Central Asia, characterized by dense spikes of small flowers that resemble a wolf's tail. It produces tall, slender flower spikes in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white that bloom over an extended period. This hardy plant is valued in borders and cottage gardens for its vertical interest and long flowering season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Rosea Alba Purpurea Blue Peter Erika Red Fox

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Example Wolfstail timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Wolfstail

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Wolfstail blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wolfstail dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant to flowering
🌱
Planting depth: Seeds: surface sow or barely cover; transplants: at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Organic compost Peat moss for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler to moderate climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge; true leaves develop slowly in first 2-3 weeks

Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding

2

Vegetative

4-8 weeks

Plant develops basal rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves; gradual height increase

Water regularly; deadhead any early flower buds to encourage root and leaf development; apply balanced fertilizer monthly

3

Flowering

6-12 weeks

Dense flower spikes emerge, densely packed with small florets opening sequentially from bottom to top

Provide consistent moisture; stake tall varieties if needed; deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming; fertilize every 2-3 weeks

4

Peak Bloom

3-6 weeks

Spikes fully developed with most florets open, displaying full color impact

Continue deadheading to prevent seed set and promote continuous flowering; monitor for pests; water during dry spells

5

Seed Development & Dormancy

4-8 weeks

Flowers fade; seed pods develop if not deadheaded; foliage gradually yellows and dies back in fall

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing if desired; cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring; mulch for winter protection in colder zones

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Catmint Russian Sage Daylilies Yarrow Salvias Coreopsis Black-eyed Susans

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (Hostas, Astilbe) Very aggressive spreaders (Mint, Lythrum)

Common Pests

  • Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur dust or neem oil if severe

  • and

    Hand-pick; apply copper barriers; use beer traps; encourage natural predators like ground beetles

  • Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or miticide if infestation occurs

  • Remove affected leaves; reflective mulches deter adults; spinosad spray for severe infestations

Uses

🎨

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

Wolfstail spikes make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for dried and fresh arrangements, providing vertical structure and color to bouquets. [source]

🏠

Garden Borders & Landscaping

Household

Used extensively in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens for its architectural spike forms and extended flowering season. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Wolfstail flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting wildlife populations in gardens. [source]

🎨

Dried Flower Craft

Craft

Seed heads and dried spikes are used in dried arrangements, wreaths, and crafts; dried flowers retain color and structure well. [source]

Harvest Tips

Wolfstail is primarily an ornamental and not typically harvested for consumption. Cut flower spikes for arrangements once florets are mostly open; cut in early morning for longest vase life (7-10 days). For seed collection, allow flowers to fully dry on plant, then cut seed heads and dry indoors before collecting seeds.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The name 'wolfstail' derives from the resemblance of the dense flower spike to a wolf's bushy tail, particularly in pink and purple cultivars.
  • 🌱 Wolfstail can self-sow readily if seeds are allowed to mature and drop, creating naturalized drifts in subsequent seasons.
  • 🌱 Unlike many tall perennials, wolfstail remains relatively upright without staking in most conditions, making it lower-maintenance than similar spike-forming perennials.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves
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