Blazing Star is an unforgettable
native perennial with electric purple flowers. Known for its grass-like
foliage and tall, spiky blooms that attract butterflies, birds and bees,
Blazing Star (sometimes called Gayfeather) makes a great cut flower and
is deer resistant. Plant with Bee Balm and Black Eyed Susan for a
vibrant, colorful garden. (Liatris spicata)
Zones 3 - 9 Advantages Deer ResistantAttract ButterfliesAttract BirdsBee FriendlyCut FlowersNative Light Requirements Full SunHalf Sun / Half Shade Mature Plant Size 24-48" tall, 12-24" wide Bloom Time Mid to late summer
Zones 3 - 9 Advantages Deer ResistantAttract ButterfliesAttract BirdsBee FriendlyCut FlowersNative Light Requirements Full SunHalf Sun / Half Shade Mature Plant Size 24-48" tall, 12-24" wide Bloom Time Mid to late summer
Plant Information
Liatris: The Wildflower that became a florists darling. Whether you call it by its botanical name, Liatris
or one of the more popular common names (Blazing Star or Gayfeather),
you'll love this plant, just like hummingbirds and butterflies do. There
are several species, all native American wildflowers, but the one most
often seen is L. spicata and its also the one that's received the most attention from the hybridizers.
Blazing star has the odd habit of opening its fluffy flowers from the top of the spike down, instead of the other way around, as most flowers do. And even though it grows wild from Canada to Mexico, often in poor soil, it has some definite requirements. First of all, since this plant is a native of wide open spaces, it prefers full blazing sun, and gritty, fast-draining soil. Don't put it into super-rich mushy loam! In fact, if you do, the flower spikes may topple over from weakness. If you give it a hot, dry spot, the stems are always stiff and strong.
The Florists Darling In recent years, florists have discovered the dramatic look of this purple-spiked beauty, and have used it extensively in their more unusual arrangements, where its often paired with exotics like tropical ginger blooms or Bird of Paradise. The flower spikes are also big favorites for drying.
The roots are bulb-like, and you can start these flowers with seeds (from our Wildflower Seed Department) or perennial roots. Of course, developed roots are faster; Liatris takes two years to bloom from seed. Some of the perennial cultivars will even do well for you in partial shade, but be sure the plants stay dry most of the time.
SKU AFLAN31 Common Name Blazing Star Botanical Name Liatris spicata Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Light Requirements Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade Flower Color Purple Mature Height 24-48" tall Estimated Mature Spread 12-24" wide Bloom Time Mid to late summer Planting Depth Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. Ships As Potted Plant Native Yes Planting Time Fall Soil Type Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry Soil Soil Moisture Dry, Average, Well Draining Advantages Deer Resistant, Attract Butterflies, Attract Birds, Bee Friendly, Cut Flowers, Native Additional Information In the Fall this Perennial will arrive dormant Neonicotinoid-Free Yes - Learn More
Blazing star has the odd habit of opening its fluffy flowers from the top of the spike down, instead of the other way around, as most flowers do. And even though it grows wild from Canada to Mexico, often in poor soil, it has some definite requirements. First of all, since this plant is a native of wide open spaces, it prefers full blazing sun, and gritty, fast-draining soil. Don't put it into super-rich mushy loam! In fact, if you do, the flower spikes may topple over from weakness. If you give it a hot, dry spot, the stems are always stiff and strong.
The Florists Darling In recent years, florists have discovered the dramatic look of this purple-spiked beauty, and have used it extensively in their more unusual arrangements, where its often paired with exotics like tropical ginger blooms or Bird of Paradise. The flower spikes are also big favorites for drying.
The roots are bulb-like, and you can start these flowers with seeds (from our Wildflower Seed Department) or perennial roots. Of course, developed roots are faster; Liatris takes two years to bloom from seed. Some of the perennial cultivars will even do well for you in partial shade, but be sure the plants stay dry most of the time.
SKU AFLAN31 Common Name Blazing Star Botanical Name Liatris spicata Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Light Requirements Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade Flower Color Purple Mature Height 24-48" tall Estimated Mature Spread 12-24" wide Bloom Time Mid to late summer Planting Depth Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. Ships As Potted Plant Native Yes Planting Time Fall Soil Type Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry Soil Soil Moisture Dry, Average, Well Draining Advantages Deer Resistant, Attract Butterflies, Attract Birds, Bee Friendly, Cut Flowers, Native Additional Information In the Fall this Perennial will arrive dormant Neonicotinoid-Free Yes - Learn More