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Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)

Rough Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Gay Feather, Blazing Star, Rough Gayfeather

Liatris aspera, Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Gay Feather, Rough Blazing Star, Rough Gayfeather, Purple Liatris, Purple Flowers

Among the latest blooming of the blazing stars, Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting fluffy spikes densely packed with deep rose-purple flowers. Stamens and styles protrude from the tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over 3-4 weeks, the spectacular flower spikes contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American enjoys a long season of interest from late summer to fall and supplies winter bird food. The long, narrow, lance-shaped, blue-green leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Blazing Star adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens. It helps create outstanding combinations with the warm golds of Rudbeckia or the purple blossoms of Echinacea.

  • Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Flower spikes may need staking.
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens or native plant gardens, prairies and meadows. Great as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Blazing Star, Gayfeather
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, New York, Midwest, Michigan, South Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Liatris (Blazing Star)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Liatris microcephala (Dwarf Blazing Star)
Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star)
Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star)
Liatris punctata var. mucronata (Texas Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ (Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ (Blazing Star)

Recommended Companion Plants

Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed)
Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ (Aromatic Aster)
Echinacea tennesseensis (Tennessee Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
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Liatris (Blazing Star)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Blazing Star, Gayfeather
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, New York, Midwest, Michigan, South Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Liatris (Blazing Star)
Not sure which Liatris (Blazing Star) to pick?
Compare Now

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