Liatris spicata
Blazing Star
Common names: Prachtscharte, Prairie Blazing Star, Feathered Blazing Star
Photo: Hedwig Storch · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
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Description
Liatris spicata, the blazing star, is native to North American prairies. It produces tall, narrow stems up to 80 cm with striking violet flower spikes that open from the top down, keeping the inflorescence moving for weeks. The plant has slender, grass‑like leaves arising from a knobby root system. It attracts a wide array of pollinators, including bumblebees, solitary bees, and butterflies, making it a popular choice for sunny beds, prairie gardens, and as a cut flower.
Care instructions
Plant the tubers in spring 8–10 cm deep in a sunny spot with well‑draining, somewhat sandy soil; avoid winter waterlogging. Water only when soil remains dry, as the plant tolerates low moisture well. Leave spent stems until late autumn to provide food for birds and winter shelter for insects. For a denser bloom, the cultivar 'Kobold' remains more compact than the wild type.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean
Feeding
Light feeder
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