Summary
Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) is an erect, clump forming herbaceous perennial growing 2 to 6’ tall. Arising from a woody, underground stem known as a corm, sturdy, vertical stems are clothed in linear, grass-like leaves. Densely arranged basal leaves are up to 10” long and ½” wide, with the leaves decreasing in size and more openly arranged as they extend up the stem into the impressive flower spike.
The upper 6-12” of the leafy stem produces multiple clusters of tightly set rosy purple flowers. The ¾” diameter tuft-like flower heads bloom from the top of the stem down, beginning in mid summer and lasting for three to four weeks. Dense blazing star performs best in full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. The site should drain well, especially during winter to prevent the corm from rotting. Plants are drought tolerant once established.
Dense blazing star makes a dramatic vertical statement in the perennial border. Combine it with the tall growing, Jacob Cline scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’) and Mohr’s rosinweed (Silphium mohrii), or in a meadow setting with ox-eye (Heliopsis helianthoides) and Shenandoah switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’). With its floriferous blooms it is a nectar source for butterflies, bees, and hummingbird moths, which should earn it a spot in a pollinator garden. It is also favored as a cut flower. Seed heads can be left up for winter interest and if seeding in is desired, and as a food source for non-migratory songbirds. Zones 3-9.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist - Flowering Period
late-summer, mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
rosy-purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
brown - Fruit/Seed Color
brown