Liatris spicata (Gayfeather)

Valued for its showy fluffy vertical flower spikes contrasting with a lush, finely textured, grassy foliage, Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial of great ornamental value. Interestingly flowering in succession from top to bottom over 4 weeks and more, its button-shaped, purple, rosy red or white flowers resemble blazing stars

Valued for its showy fluffy vertical flower spikes contrasting with a lush, finely textured, grassy foliage, Gayfeather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial of great ornamental value. Interestingly flowering in succession from top to bottom over 4 weeks and more, its button-shaped, purple, rosy red or white flowers resemble blazing stars (hence its common name). Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this beautiful native American species enjoys a long season of interest from mid-summer to fall and supplies winter bird food. The narrow, opposite leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, Liatris spicata 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 2-4 feet tall (60-120 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun and prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates heat, cold, drought, and poor dry soils. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil
  • Virtually pest and disease-free. This plant is deer resistant.
  • An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, or native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows. Great as fresh-cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
  • Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter.
  • Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by division in spring.
  • Native to the eastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Liatris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 4'
(60cm
– 120cm)
Spread 9"
– 2'
(22cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 15″
(30cm
– 37cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow