Blazing Star Liatris is a clump-forming perennial known for its tall, feathery flower spikes and narrow, grass-like foliage. Unlike most spike-forming flowers, its purple blossoms begin opening at the top and progress downward, creating an eye-catching display from midsummer into early fall.
This low-maintenance North American native perennial performs best in a sunny location with average to moist, well-drained soil. Its upright form works especially well in pollinator gardens, native plantings, rain gardens, cottage gardens, and the middle or back of perennial borders. The flower spikes are also excellent for fresh or dried arrangements.
Plant Details
- Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial growing from corms
- Mature size: Approximately 3 to 5 feet tall and 12 to 18 inches wide; plants may reach 6 feet in favorable conditions
- Bloom color: Purple to lavender
- Bloom season: Midsummer through early fall
- Light: Full sun is preferred; light partial shade is tolerated
- Water: Average to moist
- Soil: Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil with an acidic to neutral pH
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 8
- Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, bees, specialized native bees, hummingbirds, and moths; seeds provide food for goldfinches and other birds
- Best uses: Pollinator gardens, native gardens, perennial borders, rain gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, and cutting gardens
Leave some flower stalks standing after bloom if you would like birds to feed on the seeds and stem-nesting bees to use the old stems.
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