dense blazing star
Liatris spicata
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall9 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red-purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial for borders, cottage gardens, meadows, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to wet soil of most types. Its grass-like leaves clump near the base, and tall rose-purple flower spikes open from the top down. Butterflies visit the feathery blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, PowWow White coneflower, and Hummingbird sweet pepperbush.
Native range
North America, New Jersey, and Québec.