It's Fall, and we're hearing a lot about PSLs*. But today's Growing on the High Plains will consider the PSBs: purple smoke bushes. This episode covers the saga of my pair of colorful shrubs that are known to burst forth with filaments of indigo when flowering. The purple smoke bush could be considered one of the more resilient plants on the prairie, sticking it out throughout the entire High Plains growing season, and even pushing into the much colder temperatures. The two that grace our landscape are often referred to as "Old Smokey" and "Big Smokey." They have quite different growth habits, and the larger one is almost treelike in height and branching patterns. Despite rabbit munching, they persist. And one provides the signature, threadlike puffs scattered across its foliage. For a pop of purple, consider adding a PSB to your plot.
*Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
