080831 - Prairie Mallow

We bought three prairie mallows last year. One died as soon as we planted it. Another is at the top of the hill on the right and is barely surviving under a shade tree. The third is this one, which has taken over the garden bed at the bottom right of the stairs.

I think it's gorgeous, with dozens of flower stocks. Phil thinks it's a little too successful. He wants to pull it out and donate it to the public staircase near our house. I suppose he's right, but I want to wait until late fall, when the rains come and we can rebuild the bed for spring.