Photo of Liatris spicata [purple] flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Photo by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Liatris spicata [purple]

Also Known As

  • Liatris spicata 'Purple'
  • Purple Gayfeather

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Liatris spicata [purple] plant details

Liatris spicata [purple] is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In fall and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, lean, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Liatris spicata [purple]

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in fall and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Liatris spicata [purple]

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: average, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This very attractive flower spikes 3-4 feet tall! Blooms from top down. The stems are covered with a grass like foliage of dark green. Liatris does well in full sun, partial shade, and even in poor well drained soil. A very desirable plant for tall borders. Reliable year after year. Plant 6-8'' apart. Makes a wonderful cut flower. Also called Blazing Star Bulb size 6-8 cm in circumference Zone: 3-9 Satisfaction Garanteed!

Gardening facts about Liatris spicata [purple] plant

How to Grow Liatris spicata [purple]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Liatris for your garden

aka Liatris callolepsis, Serratula spicata, Blazing Star, Button Snakeroot, Gayfeather

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Liatris spicata flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
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aka Narrow Leaf Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 8"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Liatris microcephala flower by Mason Brock
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aka Liatris ligulistylus, Large-headed Liatris

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Liatris ligulistylis flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Cattail Gayfeather, Eureka Button Snakeroot, Kansas Gayfeathe, Prairie Blazing Star, Tall Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 18"

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Liatris pycnostachya 'Eureka' flower by Far Reaches Farm
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aka Prairie Blazing Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Liatris pycnostachya flower by Daderot
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+19 more Liatris
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