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 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Liatris genus
- Liatris asperaRough Blazing Star
- Liatris aspera 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' ('Gnome')Dense Blazing Star