Product Details
Like other Blazing Stars, Liatris spicata is an easy-care, clump-forming, upright pollinator magnet. Native to eastern Canada and eastern and central portions of the US, it produces densely crowded spikes of feathery, reddish-purple flower heads, which are sometimes accented with white. Unlike some of its relatives, this native of marsh perimeters, meadows, and lowlands thrives in moist, fertile soils (although plants will not flourish in areas that are wet in winter). Established plants tolerate drought. While most top out at 2-4’, some rise as high as 6’, creating a towering waystation for butterflies and bees in the sunny summer garden, as well as for songbirds later in the season, who feast on the seeds. Taller plants may need staking or the support of a fence or surrounding companions. This Liatris is an excellent replacement plant for the invasive Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).
The genus Liatris, native to North America, includes about 40 species all beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their fluffy, somewhat star-like or feathery blossoms (from which the common names Blazing Star and Gayfeather derive) open from top to bottom on tall flower spikes which stand above basal clusters of attractive, linear foliage. Liatris make fantastic accent plants in summer-blooming borders and beds (appearing to best advantage when planted in groups), and they are central to any pollinator garden. The flower stalks are superb for cutting and drying, as well. Plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Depending on the species, they may tolerate moist or dry conditions. As members of the Aster family, Liatris are unusual in that their individual blossoms comprise only disc flowers, not a combination of disc and ray flowers characteristic of the composite blooms in this family (as seen in the common Daisy).
For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: lye-ay'-triss
Plant in well-drained, even dry, soil. Liatris spicata 'Kobold' also tolerates damp soil in summer (it will rot in soil that remains wet through the winter). It is often difficult to tell top from bottom on Liatris corms; when in doubt, plant them on their sides. Remove spent flower spikes to prevent the appearance of unwanted seedlings.