The disk area can be raised orcolumnar in shape. The outer portion of the flowerhead is made upof numerous ray flowers each containing a long strap-like petal. It performs best in full sunand does not require fertilization. Flowers are 1 to 3 inches indiameter with brown central cones surrounded by rose to purplecolored petals. Flowering occurs from early summer until frost.
Flowers are excellent used as fresh cut or the cones are used indried bouquets.
The foliage of this plant is arranged alternatelyon the stem and coarse in texture. The leaves are 4 to 8 inches inlength, dark green in color with short stiff hairs. The plantgrows 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Some excellent cultivarsinclude 'Alba', 'Bright Star', and 'Robert Bloom'. The plant grows up to 4 feet tall with slendergrooved stems covered with fine hairs.