Liatris Varieties
Liatris, also known as Blazing Star or Gayfeather, is a popular perennial that offers striking vertical accents to any garden. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the diversity within the Liatris genus, which includes several varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the notable Liatris varieties that I’ve grown and admired:
Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)
Liatris spicata is perhaps the most well-known variety. Its tall, dense flower spikes can reach up to 5 feet, blooming in vibrant shades of purple and white. I find this variety perfect for adding height and structure to my garden. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall, attracting bees and butterflies.
Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)
This variety is native to the central United States and thrives in prairie conditions. Liatris pycnostachya features dense, upright spikes of purple flowers. It grows slightly taller than Liatris spicata, reaching heights of up to 6 feet. Its robust nature makes it a fantastic choice for naturalized gardens and prairie-style plantings.
Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
Liatris aspera has a more delicate appearance compared to other varieties. Its flower spikes are less dense, giving it a wispy, airy look. The lavender-pink flowers bloom in late summer, providing a softer touch to the garden. This variety typically grows to about 3-4 feet in height and prefers well-drained soil.
Liatris ligulistylis (Meadow Blazing Star)
Also known as Rocky Mountain Blazing Star, Liatris ligulistylis is particularly attractive to butterflies, especially monarchs. This variety produces large, showy flower heads on tall stems, reaching up to 5 feet. It blooms later in the season, from late summer to early fall, extending the blooming period in my garden.
Liatris squarrosa (Scaly Blazing Star)
Liatris squarrosa is a shorter variety, usually growing to about 2-3 feet in height. Its flowers are a deep, rich purple, and the plant has a compact, bushy growth habit. I like to use this variety in the front of borders or in rock gardens where its shorter stature is an advantage.
Liatris microcephala (Dwarf Blazing Star)
As the name suggests, Liatris microcephala is a dwarf variety, reaching only about 1-2 feet in height. It produces small, bright purple flower clusters that are tightly packed on the spikes. This variety is ideal for smaller gardens or container plantings, and its compact size makes it easy to manage.
Liatris scariosa (Northern Blazing Star)
Liatris scariosa is known for its larger flower heads compared to other varieties. The blooms are a vibrant purple and appear on sturdy stems that can grow up to 4 feet tall. This variety prefers well-drained soils and full sun, making it a hardy addition to my garden that stands out with its bold flowers.
Liatris graminifolia (Grassleaf Blazing Star)
Liatris graminifolia has narrow, grass-like leaves, giving it a unique appearance. The flower spikes are less dense, with small, pale purple flowers. It grows to about 2-3 feet in height and adds a fine texture to garden compositions. I appreciate its subtle beauty and how it complements other, more robust perennials.
Liatris cylindracea (Cylindrical Blazing Star)
This variety features cylindrical flower spikes with tightly packed blooms that range from light pink to purple. Liatris cylindracea is relatively short, usually growing to about 2 feet. It thrives in rocky or sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or areas with poor soil conditions.
Liatris elegans (Elegant Blazing Star)
Liatris elegans lives up to its name with its slender, graceful flower spikes. The blooms are usually white or pale lavender and appear on stems that can reach up to 4 feet. This variety adds a touch of elegance to my garden, and its light-colored flowers provide a nice contrast to the more common purple varieties.
What Do Liatris Seedlings Look Like?
Liatris seedlings are slender and grass-like when they first emerge. They have narrow leaves that gradually widen as they grow. Recognizing these seedlings helps me avoid accidentally weeding them out.
When to Plant Liatris Bulbs?
I usually plant my Liatris bulbs in the spring, right after the last frost has passed. This timing ensures that the soil has warmed up sufficiently, giving the bulbs the best chance to establish themselves. If you miss the spring planting window, you can also plant them in the fall, but ensure they are in the ground at least six weeks before the first frost.
How to Plant Liatris Bulbs? How Deep to Plant Liatris Bulbs?
Planting Liatris bulbs is quite straightforward. I dig holes about 2-3 inches deep and space the bulbs 12-15 inches apart. I place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up, cover it with soil, and water it thoroughly. The spacing ensures that each plant has enough room to grow without overcrowding.
When Does Liatris Bloom?
Liatris typically blooms from mid-summer to early fall. In my experience, the blooming period can last from July to September, depending on the climate and growing conditions. The tall spikes of vibrant flowers are a delightful sight in the garden during this time.
Does Liatris Spread?
Yes, Liatris does spread, but not aggressively. It spreads through its underground corms, gradually forming larger clumps over time. In my garden, I occasionally need to divide the clumps every few years to manage their spread and ensure healthy growth.
Is Liatris a Perennial?
Liatris is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year. I love that I don’t have to replant it annually, and it continues to thrive with minimal care. Its hardiness makes it a reliable choice for my garden.
Is Liatris Deer Resistant?
One of the reasons I adore Liatris is its deer resistance. Deer tend to avoid this plant, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with deer problems. Its bitter taste and tough foliage make it unappealing to these garden pests.
What Colors Do Liatris Come In?
Liatris primarily comes in shades of purple and white. In my garden, I grow the common purple variety, but the white Liatris, known as Liatris spicata ‘Alba,’ adds a beautiful contrast to the garden’s color palette.
When to Cut Back Liatris?
I cut back Liatris in late fall, after the flowering period is over and the foliage has died back. Cutting back the stems to ground level helps tidy up the garden and prevents any potential pest or disease issues over the winter.
Can Liatris Be Grown in Pots?
Absolutely, Liatris can be grown in pots. I use a well-draining potting mix and choose a deep pot to accommodate the long roots. Container-grown Liatris requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
How to Deadhead Liatris?
Deadheading Liatris is simple. I remove the spent flower spikes by cutting them back to the base of the plant. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing more flowers rather than seed formation.
Liatris vs Gayfeather
Liatris is often referred to as Gayfeather, but they are the same plant. The name Gayfeather describes the fluffy, feather-like appearance of the flower spikes. Knowing this, I use the terms interchangeably when talking about this plant.
Liatris vs Loosestrife
Liatris and Loosestrife are different plants. Liatris has tall, spiky flowers and is a perennial, while Loosestrife typically has a more bushy growth habit with smaller flowers and can be invasive. I prefer Liatris for its manageable growth and vertical appeal.
What to Plant with Liatris?
I love pairing Liatris with other sun-loving perennials like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and Coreopsis. These plants complement Liatris well, creating a vibrant and diverse garden display that attracts pollinators.
By following these guidelines, I’ve found Liatris to be a resilient and rewarding addition to my garden. Its striking flower spikes, ease of care, and deer resistance make it a favorite for any garden enthusiast.
