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Liatris punctata (Dotted Blazing Star)

Dotted Blazing Star, Dotted Gayfeather, Dotted Liatris

Liatris punctata, Dotted Blazing Star, Dotted Gayfeather, Dotted Liatris, Purple Flowers
Liatris punctata, Dotted Blazing Star, Dotted Gayfeather, Dotted Liatris, Purple Flowers

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Gayfeather, Blazing Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Liatris microcephala (Dwarf 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)
Liatris spicata ‘Alba’ (Gayfeather)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pulsatilla patens (Eastern Pasque Flower)
Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo)
Lilium philadelphicum (Wood Lily)
Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke)
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama)

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 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Liatris
Common names Gayfeather, Blazing Star
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, 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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