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Liatris spicata

Status: In stock

Product ID#: liatr
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Product Description
Sun Exposure Sun
Bloom Time Summer, Fall
Soil Conditions Normal, Sandy, Clay/Heavy, Dry
Flower Color Purple
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 3-4' x 18-24"
Blazing Star, or Gayfeather, is an excellent wildflower for sunny borders, prairie gardens, wildflower meadows, etc. A nice bundle of narrow grass-like foliage bolts to expose long, thick bottlebrush-like flower spikes. This tall standing beauty creates attractive cut flowers too! Like other prairie plants, Prairie Blazing Star needs to be planted in full sun to light shade. This perennial will withstand almost any type of soil, except those that would be soggy in winter.
  • sunshade Sun
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 3-4' x 18-24"
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Summer, Fall
Key features
  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Birds
  • Deer Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Native
  • Low Maintenance
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Cut Flower
  • Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care

Planting & Care for Dense Blazing Star Plants

Preparation
  • ‘Liatris spicata’ Blazing Star is a unique pollinator plant because of its vertical spikey flowers and grassy green foliage. Blazing Stars attract butterflies, bees, birds, etc.
  • It grows best in full sun and normal or even poor soil conditions (sandy, clay, or dry). Avoid rich, fertile soils to prevent the blooms from toppling over.
  • It can be used as perennial borders, mass planting, and cut floral arrangements.
  • ‘Liatris spicata’ Blazing Star or Gayfeather is easy to grow and low-maintenance.
Opening Plant Material
  • Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until it stops bubbling, remove. You’re now ready to plant.
Planting
  • You can plant in spring or fall.
  • Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
  • For Containers: Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot. Many times perennials have many roots in the pots. Lay the plant on its side and cut out the bottom 2" of roots and soil for quicker establishment in the ground.
  • With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
  • Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
    Place the root ball in the hole.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use our recommended fertilizer.
  • Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle the soil around the root ball.
Pruning - After Planting
  • Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.
Pruning - Throughout the Season
  • Wait until after flowering to start pruning your ‘Liatris spicata’ Blazing Star.
  • Cut off any spent flower stems. Herbaceous types that die down in the fall can have their foliage cut back too.
Watering - After Planting
  • Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2–4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
Watering - Throughout the Season
  • After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.