Liatris spicata (Blazing Star)

Valued for its showy fluffy vertical flower spikes contrasting with lush, finely textured, grassy foliage, Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial of great ornamental value. Interestingly flowering in succession from top to bottom over 4 weeks and more, its button-shaped, purple, rosy red or white flowers resemble blazing stars (hence its common name). Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American enjoys a long season of interest from mid-summer to fall and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, opposite leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Liatris spicata adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens. It helps create outstanding combinations with the warm golds of black-eyed Susans or the purple blossoms of coneflowers.

• Grows up to 2-4 feet tall (60-120 cm).
• Thrives in full sun and prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates heat, cold, drought, and poor dry soils. Plants may rot over winter if grown in heavy soil.
• Virtually pest and disease-free. This plant is deer resistant.
• An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows. Great as fresh-cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
• Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter.
• Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by division in spring.
• Native to the eastern United States.