Liatris, also known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a perennial wildflower with tall spikes of purple flowers in late summer to fall.
Start liatris seeds indoors in winter. Barely the seeds cover with soil, then refrigerate for 8 weeks. Full sun to part shade. Spacing 15".
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' is a compact selection with dense spikes of rosy-violet flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. The flowers bloom from the top down on sturdy stems. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies .
Liatris 'Kobold' looks stunning near the front of the border. Also known as Goblin Gayfeather. Hardy in zones 3-10.
Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violet' has tall spikes of violet-purple flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It was bred for the cut flower industry, but it's also great for the home garden.
Liatris spicata is adaptable and easy to grow once it is established. Hardy perennial in zones 3-10.
Liatris spicata 'Floristan White' is a lovely variety with tall, dense spikes of white flowers. It was bred for the cut flower industry.
Liatris spicata is equally at home in wildflower gardens or formal borders. It blooms in midsummer, making it a great companion plant for echinacea , gaillardia , rudbeckia and ornamental grasses . Hardy in zones 3-10.
Liatris ligulistylis is wonderful for attracting butterflies, especially Monarchs. Birds feast on the ripening seeds in the fall.
Liatris ligulistylis can grow up to 5 feet tall, so you may need to stake it in the garden, especially if your soil is rich or moist. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant . Hardy in zones 3-9.
Liatris pycnostachya has very tall, dense spikes of purple flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies in late summer. It looks like an exclamation point in the middle of the perennial border or wildflower garden.
Also known as Prairie Blazing Star and Kansas Gayfeather. Popular for prairie gardens and restoration projects. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Liatris spicata is a native prairie wildflower. The tall spikes of purple flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and the ripening seeds attract birds. It's a host plant for Painted Lady and Silvery Checkerspot butterfly larvae.
Liatris spicata blooms in midsummer, looking great with many different perennials. Shown here with Gaillardia 'Bremen' . Hardy in zones 3-10.