Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star)
Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star) is a small, upright, clump-forming perennial boasting short spike-like racemes of fluffy, pink, or purplish pink, thistle-like flower heads. Blooming for about one month in mid-summer to early fall, they are borne atop stout, erect, leafy flower stalks. Attractive to bees, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds, they contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage.
Liatris cylindracea (Dwarf Blazing Star) is a small, upright, clump-forming perennial boasting short spike-like racemes of fluffy, pink, or purplish pink, thistle-like flower heads. Blooming for about one month in mid-summer to early fall, they are borne atop stout, erect, leafy flower stalks. Attractive to bees, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbirds, they contrast nicely with the finely textured, grassy foliage. They are followed by fruits (achenes) with bristly hairs that aid in their dispersal. The root system consists of a corm, which may occasionally produce offsets. Easy to grow and low care, Dwarf Blazing Star adds charm to borders, and dry, sandy gardens and attracts a constant parade of butterflies.
- Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in dry, sandy or rocky, alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerant to poor soils, drought, summer heat, and humidity.
- An excellent choice for perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, and meadows.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by scarified seeds sown outside in late fall or stratified seeds sown the following spring.
- Native to eastern North America, where its populations are concentrated in the Midwestern United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Liatris |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 10″ – 12″ (25cm – 30cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Delaware, New York, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |