Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star)

Noted for attracting native bees and butterflies, Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting dense wands, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), packed with rose-lavender flowers in late summer to fall. The showy blossoms contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. After blooming, the plant goes dormant until the following spring when it sprouts from its deep taproot. Long-lived and drought tolerant, Dotted blazing star is easy to grow and low care. Providing a lovely floral display for several weeks, it adds a vertical accent in sunny borders, prairies, or rock gardens. It also makes an excellent fresh-cut flower and can be used in dry flower arrangements.

• Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of alkaline soils and drought. Too much water may cause the plant to develop long, slender spikes which flop over. 
• An excellent choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant. Too much water will lead to root rot.
• Cut back during the growing season to promote bushiness.
• Propagate by scarified seeds sown outside in late fall or stored, stratified and sown the following spring. Can also be established by dividing corms in late fall to early spring.
• Native to North America, where it occurs throughout the plains of central Canada, the central United States, and northern Mexico.