When Is Liatris in Season?

Seasons of Blooms

• With about 30 species of blazing star, at least one fits well in every garden. Numerous differences distinguish the species and their cultivated varieties, but they all bloom during the same general time span of early summer through autumn. Just when other perennial garden plants begin to lag, blazing star bursts with exclamations of color. Depending on the variety, the plant grows to a height of 1 to 5 feet as it sends up flower spikes covered in blooms. Some varieties' spikes are packed densely with clustered florets while others bear solitary clusters. Held above grasslike foliage, the flowers universally provide a long-lasting bloom period.

Habitat and Culture

• Replicate your blazing star's native habitat to promote its maximum amount of blooms and to extend its bloom season. Depending on the variety, the plant is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Some varieties are native to dry prairies and others to marshes and damp meadows. Each performs best in a location where it receives full sun exposure in well-drained, unfertile soil. Once established, blazing star's deep-reaching, fibrous roots tolerate occasional drought. The plant has few pests but is susceptible to leaf diseases that are complicated by cramped quarters. Give your plant plenty of air circulation. A tall variety may require staking.

Extended Appreciation

• Blazing star's long-lasting bloom season keeps on giving when flowers are cut or dried. The flower spikes open from top to bottom, an unusual feature that adds to their usefulness in bouquets. Harvest flowers when the spikes are one-half to two-thirds open; florets will continue to open and bloom. The cut flowers last several weeks in cool temperatures. If you want long-lasting dried flowers, simply air-dry them by hanging them upside down. Through garden seasons, blazing star combines color, architectural form and texture. It remains effective when massed in waves, used as staccato accents or naturalized in informal settings. Its nectar-rich blooms attract many pollinators. Seed heads left standing provide winter food for birds and ornamental interest.

Species and Cultivars

• Once hard to find, many blazing star species are now readily available from specialty nurseries dealing with native plants. Meadow blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) is desired by butterfly enthusiasts. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, it produces 3- to 4-foot-tall flower spikes with pinkish-purple blooms in late summer to early fall. Prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, bears flowers of white, purple or rose-purple flowers from early summer into fall. Spiked gayfeather or dense blazing star (Liatris spicata) is the species most commonly found in garden centers. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, its many cultivars' flowers range from pink and white to brilliant, deep purple, with the blooms appearing from early summer until late fall.