Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violet'
Common Name(s):
Blazing Star
Gayfeather
Synonym:
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Sep
Features terminal spikes (6-12" long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4" across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Asteraceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12" long).
Fall Color?
NO
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Native to eastern US
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
NO
Height:
1-3'
Spread:
8-15"
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Clump-forming perennial which is native to moist low grounds, meadows and marsh margins.
Soil:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Somewhat tolerant of poor soils, but prefers moist, fertile ones. Intolerant of wet soils in winter.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Medium
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Shredded bark, leaf mold, thin layer of compost
Water regularly first year then once a week during hot dry spells, skip heavy feeding, apply light compost or light balanced fertilizer in spring, leave seed heads intact during winter, divide every 3-4 years in early spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Cut back if not done in fall, can leave flower stalks for birds, ensure good drainage, watch for rodents
Spring:
Apply light layer of compost or low nitrogen fertilizer, clear away p;d winter debris, ensure soil drains well, divide overcrowded clumps
Summer:
May need to stake
Fall:
Cut dead stems and yellowed leaves to ground level once frost kills back top growth, stop regular watering, ensure good drainage
General Care Comments:
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, give regular moisture during dry spells, divide every 3-4 years
Common Problems
Taller plants may require staking or other support.
Diseases:
Root rot, crown rot, stem rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, Verticillium wilt
Insects:
Liatris borer moth, Liatris flower moth, aphids
Environmental Problems:
Excessively wet soil, flopping, high humidity
Pests:
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