How to Grow Bloodstone Cat's Paw
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Bloodstone Cat's Paw
Antennaria dioica 'Bloodstone'
flowerBloodstone is a compact alpine perennial cultivar of Antennaria dioica, prized for its distinctive deep red to burgundy flower heads that stand above silvery-green basal foliage. This evergreen groundcover forms dense mats and is particularly valued in rock gardens, alpine troughs, and xeriscape landscapes. It flowers in late spring through early summer and attracts pollinators while being extremely drought and cold tolerant.
When should you plant Bloodstone Cat's Paw in your zone?
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Example Bloodstone Cat's Paw timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bloodstone Cat's Paw
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bloodstone Cat's Paw blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; excellent cold hardiness makes it ideal for northern climates
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Get my Bloodstone Cat's Paw timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
6-8 weeksTiny tufts with silvery juvenile foliage; slow initial growth is normal
Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light. May take 6-8 weeks to establish.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through late springDense mats of silvery-green, narrow basal leaves forming a tight groundcover
Water sparingly. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Ensure excellent drainage. No fertilizer needed.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (late May through early July)Erect stems 6-10 inches tall topped with distinctive deep red to burgundy clustered flower heads (female plants are most ornamental)
Do not deadhead unless desired; flowers dry nicely in place. Minimal care needed during bloom.
Seed Development & Dormancy
July through early spring (dormant)Flowers fade and dry; seed heads persist; basal mat remains evergreen through winter
Leave dried flower heads for ornamental interest and seed dispersal. In colder zones, mulch lightly if snowcover is unreliable.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use well-draining soil mix; remove affected plants
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Spray with water or neem oil if needed; usually not a major concern on this species
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and
Remove debris; improve air circulation; use copper barriers or organic slug bait if necessary
Uses
Alpine & Rock Garden Groundcover
LandscapeBloodstone creates striking visual contrast in alpine troughs, rock gardens, and scree beds with its deep red flowers against silvery foliage. Its compact habit and mat-forming nature make it ideal for edging and filling gaps in rocky landscapes. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftThe deep red flower heads dry excellently in place and can be harvested for long-lasting dried flower crafts, wreaths, and floral arrangements with minimal processing. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAntennaria flowers are visited by small native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing early-season nectar and pollen when few other alpine plants are blooming. [source]
Low-Maintenance Xeriscaping
HouseholdBloodstone is perfect for water-wise and low-maintenance garden designs, requiring minimal irrigation once established and thriving in poor, dry soils unsuitable for other plants. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalCat's paw species have a long history in folk medicine, traditionally used as infusions or poultices for wound healing and as diuretics, though modern scientific validation is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested, as this is an ornamental flower. Leave seed heads in place for visual interest and natural self-seeding. Female plants produce better red coloration than male plants; select females when possible.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Antennaria dioica is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Female plants typically produce the more vibrant red flower coloration, making them more ornamentally desirable.
- 🌱 The common name 'cat's paw' refers to the fuzzy, paw-like appearance of the flower heads, while the genus name 'Antennaria' derives from the antenna-like bristles on the seed heads.
- 🌱 Bloodstone is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, where it thrives in harsh alpine environments, making it exceptionally hardy and adapted to poor soils and cold winters.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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