General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Tolerant of poor soils, drought, summer heat and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This blazing star cultivar is a small, compact, upright, clump-forming perennial which typically grows 2-2.5' tall. Features terminal spikes (6-15" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks. Multiple stalks arise from basal tufts of narrow leaves (to 10"). Flowers generally open top to bottom on the spikes. Blooms in summer. Liatris belongs to the aster family, with each flower head having only fluffy disk flowers (resembling "blazing stars") and no rays.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Does not need staking.
Uses:
Excellent compact plant for perennial border fronts or cutting gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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