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Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star)

Ontario Blazing Star, Ontario Gayfeather, Ontario Liatris, Dwarf Blazing Star, Dwarf Gayfeather, Dwarf Liatris, Lacinaria cylindracea

Liatris cylindracea, Ontario Blazing Star, Ontario Gayfeather, Ontario Liatris, Dwarf Blazing Star, Dwarf Gayfeather, Dwarf Liatris, Lacinaria cylindracea, Purple Flowers

Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star) is a small, upright, clump-forming perennial boasting short spike-like racemes of fluffy, pink, or purplish pink, thistle-like flower heads. Blooming for about one month in mid-summer to early fall, they are borne atop stout, erect, leafy flower stalks. Attractive to bees, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds, they contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. They are followed by fruits (achenes) with bristly hairs that aid in their dispersal. The root system consists of a corm, which may occasionally produce offsets. Easy to grow and low care, Dwarf Blazing Star adds charm to borders, and dry, sandy gardens and attracts a constant parade of butterflies.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in dry, sandy or rocky, alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerant to poor soils, drought, summer heat, and humidity. 
  • An excellent choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by scarified seeds sown outside in late fall or stratified seeds sown the following spring.
  • Native to eastern North America, where its populations are concentrated in the Midwestern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Gayfeather, Blazing Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 10" - 12"
(25cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Delaware, New York, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)
Dodecatheon meadia (Shooting Star)
Viola pedata (Bird’s Foot Violet)
Aster ericoides (Heath Aster)
Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
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 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Gayfeather, Blazing Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 10" - 12"
(25cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Delaware, New York, Missouri, Minnesota, Midwest, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
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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