About

A bulbous perennial to about 70cm in height, with narrow green foliage on tall stems. Bright bottle-brushlike purplish-pink flower spikes appear in late summer and early autumn with seedheads following to provide winter interest.

About the genus

Liatris are herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers which open from the top down

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
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Prairie planting

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 division every three to four years in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free