Go Back Liatris Spicata Blue Blazing Star

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:56 PM
Liatris spicata
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    A group of hardy native American plants that are well worth giving a spot in the garden! Their flowers provide a strong vertical effect, and their color is brilliant in shades of blueish-purple. They are unusual in that their flower spikes open from the top down rather than in the reverse, which is more common.  It is a staple item for cutting gardens, and it adds a bright vertical element to bouquets.  Narrow, opposite leaves are up to 10 inches long at the base of the plant and decrease in length up the stems.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Tolerant of harsh growing conditions such as poor soil, heat, humidity and drought, but is most moisture tolerant of the genus.  L. spicata prefers more moisture than other members of the Liatris family, and thrives in well-drained soil in full sun.   It is a suitable choice for southern gardens since it is very tolerant of hot summers.  The roots of this genus are tuberous, and they may be lifted every few years and divided.   When doing so, use a sharp knife, allow at least one eye per division, and dust the newly cut ends with a fungicidal powder before replanting at a depth of 4 to 6 inches.  This perennial may require staking.

    Flower Color

    Bluish-purple

    Foliage Color

    green

    Plant Spread

    24 in.

    Good Companions

    —

    Plant Height

    18-24 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-9

    Soil Moisture

    Average water needs.

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Drought tolerant, Wildflower garden, Border, Cut flower , Roadside planting, Mass Plant

    Bloom Time

    July and August

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Sun to part sun

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

    Summer