Overview
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' is a tufted perennial in the genus Liatris, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.5 m wide. Liatris spicata 'Kobold' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and pollinator garden. It is native to Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and South Carolina.
About
Liatris spicata, the dense blazing star, prairie feather, gayfeather or button snakewort, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to eastern North America where it grows in moist prairies and meadows.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Liatris spicata
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Liatris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers, Pollinator garden
- Native to
- Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Liatris spicata 'Kobold'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Propagation
- Division in spring or fall; seed propagation possible but slow
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Liatris spicata 'Kobold'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Liatris spicata 'Kobold'?
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Liatris spicata 'Kobold' need?
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Liatris spicata 'Kobold'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Liatris spicata 'Kobold' grow?
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' reaches a height of 0.6 m and a spread of 0.5 m.
Is Liatris spicata 'Kobold' hardy in the UK?
Liatris spicata 'Kobold' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Liatris spicata 'Kobold'?
Division in spring or fall; seed propagation possible but slow.
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 pycnostachyaKansas gay feather
- Liatris spicata 'Alba'White Blazing Star
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' ('Gnome')Dense Blazing Star