About
Liatris spicata, the button snakewort or blazing star, is a clump-forming perennial to 70 cm with narrow foliage and purplish-pink, bottlebrush flower spikes, opening from the top downwards, in late summer and early autumn. One of the most popular and rewarding of all prairie perennials for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Liatris, the gayfeathers or blazing stars, are herbaceous perennials from North America with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of fluffy, purple-pink or white flowers, which open from the top of the spike downwards. Excellent border plants for a sunny, well-drained position.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile soil that is reliably moist but not wet overwinter; full sun is essential
PruningDeadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free