Liatris spicata 'Kobold'
Common Name(s):
Gayfeather
Dense blazing star
Synonym:
Liatris spicata'Goblin'
Marsh blazing star
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Sep
Flowers purple rayless in heads on spikes
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Asteraceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
Basal leaves in grass-like tufts up to 12" long, stem leaves linear small
Fall Color?
YES
Flowers can bloom into fall, leaves turn a beautiful bronze color
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Eastern North America
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
1.5-2.5'
Spread:
.5-1'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Mesic prairies
Soil:
Fertile well-drained
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Apply only once in spring, usually a top dressing of compost is sufficient, good drainage is more important to health
Mulch:
Use breathable organic options like shredded bark, chipped bark, or leaf mold
Avoid waterlogged soil, give top dressing of compost, deadhead or not, divede every 3-4 years in spring or fall
Long Term:
Winter:
Prevent soil saturation, give layer of mulch, leave flower spikes or prune back if you prefer a tidy garden
Spring:
Prune if standing vegetation left from previous season, top dress with compost
Summer:
Deep watering during heatwaves, give good air circulation, optionally deadhead if want a neat appearance, might need staking
Fall:
Leave flower spikes for the birds. or cut if want a tidy garden, divide if needed, good drainage is essential for plant health
General Care Comments:
Provide 1" water/week during summer months, divide in spring, deadhead or leave spikes for birds seed
Common Problems
Sturated soils leads to root rot, high humidity, too much shade
Diseases:
Leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, stem rot
Insects:
Liatris borer moth, aphids, thrips, mites
Environmental Problems:
Waterlogged soil, flopping, high humidity promotes fungal disease
Pests:
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