Liatris, sometimes called Gayfeather or Blazing Star, is a genus of 30-40 species, all of which are native to Eastern and Central North America. It has become a classic in perennial landscaping and makes an excellent native pollinator attracting plant. They typically occur in prairies and open meadows growing in poor, gravely soil. The more typical garden species available, L. spicata, makes long racemes up to 3 ft. tall covered with small, usually purple flowers that emerge from a mound of narrow leaves. There are several other species that, though less common, can make a nice additions to the landscape. Most need good drainage as the roots are prone to rot or heaving in heavy, damp soils.
L. ligulistylis - Rocky mountain gayfeather. A western species similar to the eastern scariosa. A tough plant for a hot and dry location.
L. scariosa v. nieuwlandii - From Maine to Wisconcin and south to Alabama. Fluffy red-purple “buttons” bloom on a tall stalk. A widespread native species.
L. spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ - Dense spikes of purple flowers mid to late summer. More tolerant of damp soil than other species.
L. spicata ‘Floristan White’ - The white form of the species above.
Sold in 4” pots. Flowering size.
Liatris, sometimes called Gayfeather or Blazing Star, is a genus of 30-40 species, all of which are native to Eastern and Central North America. It has become a classic in perennial landscaping and makes an excellent native pollinator attracting plant. They typically occur in prairies and open meadows growing in poor, gravely soil. The more typical garden species available, L. spicata, makes long racemes up to 3 ft. tall covered with small, usually purple flowers that emerge from a mound of narrow leaves. There are several other species that, though less common, can make a nice additions to the landscape. Most need good drainage as the roots are prone to rot or heaving in heavy, damp soils.
L. ligulistylis - Rocky mountain gayfeather. A western species similar to the eastern scariosa. A tough plant for a hot and dry location.
L. scariosa v. nieuwlandii - From Maine to Wisconcin and south to Alabama. Fluffy red-purple “buttons” bloom on a tall stalk. A widespread native species.
L. spicata ‘Floristan Violet’ - Dense spikes of purple flowers mid to late summer. More tolerant of damp soil than other species.
L. spicata ‘Floristan White’ - The white form of the species above.
Sold in 4” pots. Flowering size.
We are also propagating several other species native to the Eastern US. :
L. aspera, L. liguistylis and L scariosa var. nieuwlandii.
Check back later this year to see availability of these species.
