How to Divide Liatris

Many species of Liatris (Liatris spp.), also commonly called blazing star or gayfeather, are prairie natives that are a welcome addition to many home gardens. These plants, which are perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9 (although individual species offer narrower potential growing ranges), are prized for attractive foliage and spikes of purple or white flowers that appear in late summer. Propagation of liatris involves dividing plant clumps into several plants, or divisions. Plants benefit from division approximately every four years to reduce crowding and stimulate vigorous new growth. If possible, perform the liatris division in early spring just as new growth is beginning to emerge.

Garden fork
Sharp spade or pointed shovel
Sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Water the liatris deeply about a day before you will dig it up and divide it. This makes the soil easier to penetrate and minimizes the potential for injury to the plant.
- 2
  Dig up the clump of liatris roots using a garden fork or pointed shovel to capture as much of the root system as possible.
- 3
  Separate liatris corms, or cut the tuberous roots apart using a sharp spade or knife, making sure that each new section has at least one eye.
- 4
  Dig several planting holes, one for each new section of liatris. Space the liatris planting holes so that their centers are at least 6 to 8 inches apart, or with no more than four corms per 1 square foot. Make each hole several inches deep, so that each corm is planted deeply enough that its top is positioned 1 inch below the soil surface.
- 5
  Set a corm in the center of each prepared planting hole, making sure that it is positioned with its top 1 inch below the soil surface. Fill in the space around the corm with soil used to dig the planting hole, firming it around the corm gently to reduce later settling.
- 6
  Water the corms regularly during the first three weeks following planting as needed to keep the soil around the corms moderately moist. Following this period, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.

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