Liatris Blazing Star growing guide

Liatris Blazing Star

Botanical Name: Liatris spicata
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous cormous perennial
Size (HxW): 50-90cm x 20-30cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant corms 5-10cm deep, space 15-30cm apart, closer for a more immediate effect. They look best in groups of three or more.
Soil: Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil. Boggy soils can cause rot.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low. Flowering will benefit from summer water.
Fertiliser: As they establish, ideally add some fertiliser in spring.
Flowering Time: Summer to late autumn
After Flower Care: Remove spent flowers and foliage to tidy, or leave through winter as the bronzed stems remain handsome and cut back early spring to make way for new growth.
Notes: Good cut flowers. Will gradually form clumps with large, tuberous roots divide every three years or so to keep them vigorous and so you don’t end up with a dead bit in the middle. If soil is too rich, or the position too shady they may shoot quickly and need staking – they are endemic to harsh prairie conditions. Suitable for containers. Seeds can be collected for sowing.

Liatris Blazing Star