Perennial, up to 70 cm tall. Leaves subtending many flowers in heads. Bracteoles 4-6, ovate with a membranous ciliate margin, apex long acuminate, almost as long as the calyx tube. Calyx 17-23 mm, tubular, teeth lanceolate, acute to acuminate. Petals pink to red or purplish; limb dentate at apex, barbulate.