Overview
Liatris pycnostachya is a perennial in the genus Liatris, part of the Asteraceae family. Liatris pycnostachya grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include prairie gardens, wildflower meadows and borders. It is native to C and E USA.
About
Liatris pycnostachya is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its tall, erect flower spikes. It produces pink to purplish-pink flower heads from July to September. The species originates from central and eastern USA and favours sunny, well-drained sites. Plants perform best in sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liatris pycnostachya
About the genus
Liatris, commonly known as gayfeather and blazing star is a genus of flowering plants in the tribe Eupatorieae within the family Asteraceae native to North America. Some species are used as ornamental plants, sometimes in flower bouquets. They are perennials, surviving the winter and resprouting from underground corms.
Wikipedia contributors, "Liatris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liatris
In the garden
Liatris pycnostachya is a clump-forming perennial from central and eastern USA valued for its upright summer flowering. Flower heads are carried on erect stalks and appear between July and September, providing a vertical accent at a time when many perennials are past their peak. Give the plant a sunny aspect and a free-draining soil: sandy or loamy textures suit it best and it prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Soil should hold moderate moisture but not remain waterlogged; heavy, poorly drained ground will reduce flowering and can encourage rot. Positioning in full sun helps produce stronger flowering stems. Use Kansas gay feather in prairie-style plantings, wildflower meadows or at the rear of a mixed border where its vertical spikes can show above lower-growing companions. Plant in groups for visual impact and to create a summer block of colour. Expect reliable display during the July to September window when the tall spikes are at their most conspicuous.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Liatris
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- medium, well-drained
Plant details
Liatris pycnostachya size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- prairie gardens, wildflower meadows, borders
- Native to
- C and E USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Liatris pycnostachya
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Liatris pycnostachya?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Liatris pycnostachya?
Liatris pycnostachya prefers full sun.
What soil does Liatris pycnostachya need?
Liatris pycnostachya grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays medium to well-drained.
How do I prune Liatris pycnostachya?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
How do I propagate Liatris pycnostachya?
Seed, division.
More in the Liatris genus
- Liatris asperaRough Blazing Star
- Liatris aspera 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris scariosa 'White Spire'
- Liatris spicatabutton snakewort
- Liatris spicata 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' ('Gnome')Dense Blazing Star