Is the Liatris Kobold a Perennial?

Characteristics

• An excellent addition to any garden, "Kobold" blazing star reaches 1.5 to 2.5 feet in height with 6- to 15-inch flower spikes comprising most of that length. A clump-forming perennial, "Kobold" puts forth multiple sturdy, erect stems from a base of grass-like leaves. The resulting flower heads measure three-fourths inch wide. Unlike most spike flowers, which bloom from bottom to top, the feathery, dark-purple blooms of "Kobold" open from top to bottom, a quality that makes them highly favored among florists. The plant flowers heavily from mid-summer to late fall.

History

• Derived from the much taller prairie species, Liatris spicata, known as spike gayfeather or prairie blazing star, "Kobold" was selected from natural-occurring plants because of its short, compact size and superb features that make it a perennial favorite. To ensure consistent height, form, color and quality, native blazing star selections like "Kobold" usually are propagated by division of their tuberous roots rather than from seeds. Because "Kobold" has been grown in the nursery trade through both means, you may encounter plants labeled as "Kobold," grown from divisions or by seed, along with a shorter version called "Kobold Original," propagated from divisions only.

Culture

• A member of the aster family, "Kobold" prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils, but adapts quickly and easily as its native prairie parentage suggests. It tolerates poor, rocky soils, drought, hot summer suns, winds and humidity -- all with minimal maintenance. "Kobold" has few pests and is deer and rabbit resistant. Unlike its taller ancestor, it doesn't require staking to stay upright in a perennial border. To add to your collection, "Kobold" can be easily divided from clumps every three to four years, in late fall or early spring.

Uses

• "Kobold" brings texture and form, as well as excellent vertical accents, to the perennial border and meadow gardens. It tends to look best individually or flowing naturally rather than massed. Wildlife gardens benefit as "Kobold" draws hummingbirds and butterflies all summer. Its seed heads attract other birds in fall. Due to exceptional, long-lasting flowers, "Kobold" remains a major commercial variety for the floral trade. Blooms are superb both fresh and dried. For drying, harvest "Kobold" when its flower spike is one-third to one-half open, while the tiny florets are still fresh. Blooms can be dried either hanging upside down or, if you prefer a more open look, right-side up. Either way, you can continue to enjoy the beauty of this native prairie selection for a very long time to come.