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Liatris ligulistylis (Rocky Mountain Blazing Star)

Rocky Mountain Blazing Star, Button Snake Root, Blazing Star, Rocky Mountain Gayfeather, Rocky Mountain Liatris, Meadow Gayfeather, Northern Plains Blazingstar

Liatris ligulistylis, Rocky Mountain Blazing Star, Button Snake Root, Blazing Star, Purple Liatris, Purple Flowers

Liatris ligulistylis (Rocky Mountain Blazing Star) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting fluffy spikes densely packed with thistle-like, deep rose-purple flowers. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over 6 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 mid-summer to early fall and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Rocky Mountain Blazing Star adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 6-24 in. wide (15-60 cm). The plant will flop and may need staking if the soil is too rich or moist.
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerant to poor soils, drought, summer heat, and humidity. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil
  • 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 Gayfeather, Blazing Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
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, Connecticut, South Dakota, Midwest, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Southwest, New Mexico, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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 tuberosa ‘Hello Yellow’ (Butterfly Weed)
Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ (Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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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 3 - 8
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' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15"
(30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
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, Connecticut, South Dakota, Midwest, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Southwest, New Mexico, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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