Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Among the latest blooming of the blazing stars, Liatris aspera (Rough 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 3-4 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 late summer to fall and supplies winter bird food. The long, narrow, lance-shaped, blue-green leaves stay attractive all summer and turn a rich bronze in fall. Easy to grow and low care, 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, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- An excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens or native plant gardens, prairies and meadows. Great as fresh cut flowers or in dried arrangements.
- Native to North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 3 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Liatris |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 15″ (30cm – 37cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | 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, New York, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |