Liatris Liatris spicata
Scientific Name: Liatris spicata
Common Name: Spike gayfeather
Season: summer to fall
Height: 18-36 inches
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9
Flower color: mauve, pink, white
Soil: The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
Exposure: full sun to light shade
Propagation: division of tuberous roots in spring, seed
Origin: Eastern North America
Plant
Uses & Characteristics
Accent: Good Texture/Form
Attracts Butterflies
Border
Containers
Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Rabbit Resistant
Massed
Wild Flower
Comments:
The genus Liatris belongs to
the Asteraceae, or aster family, and
is composed of around 40 different
species. Common names include gayfeather
and blazing star. These showy plants
are native to eastern and central United
States. The flowers are generally purple,
but sometimes white.
One of the reasons liatris are such popular cut flowers is their unusual mode of blooming. Unlike most plants they bloom from the top of their flower spikes down to the bottom. You can actually cut a portion off the top of the spike to bring indoors, and the remaining flower heads will continue to open and provide color for the landscape.
Liatris is in flower in September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Butterflies are particularly attracted to the nectar-rich blossoms. Birds will also visit as they enjoy the fall-ripening seeds.
Liatris seeds ripen in October, when they can be collected and sown directly outdoors.The seeds need cool and moist conditions in order to germinate in the spring. On older plants, the tuberous corms can be dug and divided during late winter while dormant. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in spring. However, propagation from seed is the easiest and most reliable method.
Liatris will endure heat, cold, drought, and poor soil. Fertilizing will produce larger flower spikes, which will then need to be staked. Liatris is best used in mixed perennial borders, with careful planning to avoid color clashed with the rosy purple.It is a beautiful American wildflower which was brought to Europe, popularized as a cut flower and perennial, and then returned to popularity in the USA.
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