Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)
One of the tallest blazing stars, Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star) is an upright, clump-forming perennial boasting fluffy spikes densely packed with deep rose-purple flowers. Stamens and styles protrude from the tufted flower heads, creating a fuzzy appearance. Flowering in succession from top to bottom over several weeks, the spectacular flower spikes contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. Attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American enjoys a long season of interest from mid to late summer and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Prairie Blazing Star adds a strong vertical accent in sunny borders or prairie gardens. It helps create outstanding combinations with the warm golds of Rudbeckia or the purple blossoms of Echinacea.
- Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Flower spikes may need staking.
- Thrives in full sun and prefers average, moist, well-drained soils. One of the few Liatris species that grows well in very moist soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens or native plant gardens, prairies and meadows, rain gardens. Great as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
- Native to central and southeastern United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 2 – 9 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Liatris |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 15″ (30cm – 37cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |