How to Grow and Care for Liatris

THE BASICS

Botanical name:

Liatris

Common names:

Blazing star, gayfeather (because of its feathery flower plumes)

Plant type:

Herbaceous perennial

Zones:

3-9

Height:

1 to 5 feet, depending on the species

Exposure:

Grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. (See more full-sun perennials.)

Bloom Time:

Mid to late summer

Color and characteristics:

Produces fuzzy florets of bright purple or white flowers that bloom from the top down on unbranched stems, giving them a unique bottlebrush effect. The slender, grass-like green foliage stays attractive all summer and deepens to bronze in the fall.

Varieties:

There are about 40 species of liatris, most native to the prairies and meadows of eastern and central North America. All are very similar in culture and growth habit, so pick plants that suit your preference of height and flower color.

PLANTING

What to plant:

You can grow blazing star from corms, seeds, potted nursery-grown plants or bare-root plants. Seeds and corms are the most economical choices, but you’ll need patience when planting seeds because it often takes a year or two before they produce blooms. When buying corms, pay attention to the size. Larger corms (at least 3 inches in diameter) will produce the most robust flowers.

When to plant:

Plant corms or tuberous roots in spring. Flowers usually appear 70 to 90 days after planting. Sow seeds directly outdoors in fall or early spring, or start them indoors in late winter 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date.

Soil:

Like most prairie plants, blazing star isn’t choosy about soil conditions and may grow too tall and flop over in soil that is overly fertile. The one essential is good drainage, especially in winter. The roots can rot if allowed to sit in wet soil.

Spacing:

To permit good air circulation, space plants at least a foot apart. Because of its strong vertical presence, blazing star looks best when planted in groupings of six or more rather than in row formation (unless they are part of a cutting garden).

CARE

Watering:

Water new plantings weekly in dry weather until a strong root system is established. Once plants have matured, they will tolerate dry spells because the corms naturally retain water. However, if you experience prolonged periods of drought during the heat of the summer, give your plants about an inch of water a week to keep them hydrated.

Maintenance:

Because blazing star blooms from the top down, you can pinch back the spent blossoms to prolong its beauty. After plants have finished blooming, the flower stalks can be cut back to their grassy basal leaves, or you can leave the stalks and seedheads in place until spring to provide vertical interest throughout the winter and a food source for local and migrating birds.

Dividing:

Divide clumps every few years, or as needed to prevent overcrowding. Dig up the plants in spring and cut the tuberous roots into sections with a sharp knife, making sure each section has one “eye” or bud. Plants will also readily self-sow if you don’t cut the flower stalks back in the fall.

Diseases and Pests:

Blazing stars are rarely troubled by insects or diseases, but the foliage can succumb to powdery mildew, especially in hot, humid weather. The problem can minimized by growing plants in full sun and providing ample space between them to improve air circulation.

PICTURES

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Photo by: Proven Winners.

'Kobold' — Buy now from Proven Winners
L. spicata

Height: 18 to 24 inches

Spread: 12 to 16 inches

Bloom Time: July to August

This prolific cultivar produces multiple spikes of plump lavender-pink flower heads and is more compact than most varieties, making it a good choice for the front of the border. With strong, erect flower stalks, it is also one of the best varieties for cutting or growing in containers.

Photo by: Walters Gardens.

'Floristan Violet'
Liatris spicata

Height: 3 to 4 feet

Spread: 12 to 18 inches

Bloom Time: July to August

With vivid magenta-purple flower spikes growing up to a foot long, 'Floristan Violet' is a staple in cutting gardens and bouquets and the perfect choice for garden beds in need of a strong vertical accent. Native to low meadows and marshy areas, this cultivar is especially tolerant of humid conditions and moist soils.

Photo by: Walters Gardens.

'Floristan White'
L. spicata

Height: 3 to 4 feet

Spread: 12 to 18 inches

Bloom Time: July to August

This white counterpart to ‘Floristan Violet’ is every bit as showy and blends beautifully with any color scheme. For real wow-factor, plant both types together. Also try L. spicata 'Alba', another cultivar with creamy white flowers but slightly smaller in stature (2 to 3 feet).

Photo by: T-I / Shutterstock.

Rough blazing star
L. aspera

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Spread: 12 to 18 inches

Bloom Time: August to October

Also called “button blazing star” because the tufted purple flowers resemble a button, this stalwart species doesn’t mind drought and thrives in just about any soil type, including sandy and rocky soils. Blooms late in the season and for weeks on end, putting on a show from August into October.

Photo by: ALong / Shutterstock.

Prairie blazing star
L. pycnostachya

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Spread: 1 to 2 feet

Bloom Time: July to September

Pycnostachya is the Greek word for "crowded," which aptly describes this variety’s densely packed spikes of lilac-purple flowers. A native of the tallgrass prairie, this tough plant grows well in poor soils, including clay, and will tolerate dry conditions. It’s also one of the tallest species and may need staking in a garden setting.

Photo by: James Mundy, Nature's Ark Photography / Alamy Stock Photo.

Dwarf blazing star
L. cylindracea

Height: 12 to 18 inches

Spread: 6 to 12 inches

Bloom Time: July to September

At a foot tall, this is the shortest of the Liatris species. It thrives in poor, rocky soil and dry conditions, making it a good choice for rock gardens and water-wise landscapes. Also called cylindrical blazing star.

LIATRIS IN YOUR GARDEN

• Wildflower or meadow gardens, butterfly gardens, water-wise landscapes, cottage gardens, and at the back of beds and borders.
• Use smaller, dwarf varieties in window boxes, along edging, and in containers.
• Because of its vertical form, blazing star takes up minimal space and is easy to tuck into smaller gardens.
• In larger beds, plant in drifts to create the greatest visual impact.
• Be sure to plant extra for cutting to provide vertical interest in fresh or dried flower arrangements.