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Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ (Blazing Star)

Gayfeather 'Kobold', Button Snakeroot 'Kobold', Blazing Star 'Kobold', Kansas Gayfeather 'Kobold', Spike Gayfeather 'Kobold'

Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Gayfeather 'Kobold', Button Snakeroot 'Kobold', Blazing Star 'Kobold', Kansas Gayfeather 'Kobold', Spike Gayfeather 'Kobold', Purple liatris, Purple Flowers
Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Gayfeather 'Kobold', Button Snakeroot 'Kobold', Blazing Star 'Kobold', Kansas Gayfeather 'Kobold', Spike Gayfeather 'Kobold', Purple liatris, Purple Flowers
Liatris spicata 'Kobold', Gayfeather 'Kobold', Button Snakeroot 'Kobold', Blazing Star 'Kobold', Kansas Gayfeather 'Kobold', Spike Gayfeather 'Kobold', Purple liatris, Purple Flowers

Prized for its fluffy wands of bright, rosy lavender flowers, Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ (Blazing Star) is a compact, clump-forming perennial of excellent ornamental value. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over several weeks, the tufted flower heads 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 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 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates heat, cold, drought, and poor soils. Plants may rot over winter if grown in heavy soil.
  • Virtually disease-free. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and mice. 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.
  • Cut back to the basal leaves after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed in autumn: divide in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15" (30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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 ‘Alba’ (Gayfeather)

Recommended Companion Plants

Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

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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 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 15" (30cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
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)
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