Gayfeather/Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Plugs
Gay Feather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a native perennial that is hardy in zones 3-8. It is indigenous to the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. Liatris produces long, dense flower spikes that bloom from the top down, showcasing small, star-shaped purple flowers. The blooming period lasts from July to September, making Liatris one of the best plants for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Liatris features pollen-rich flowers, which also makes it a lovely cut flower or filler for bouquets. The vase life can last up to 14 days if the water is changed frequently. Additionally, Liatris serves as a host plant for the larvae of several moth species, including the glorious flower moth (Schinia gloriosa), bleeding flower moth (Schinia sanguinea), three-lined flower moth (Shinia trifascia), wavy-lined emerald (Synchralicta aerata), and the blazing star borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis).
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow to be 2-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet. It adapts well to clay, loam, and sandy soils, preferring moist, well-drained conditions.
The stem leaves are narrow and short, with the stem reaching heights of up to 4 feet. The foliage grows densely at the base, featuring alternate, narrow leaves that can be up to 10 inches long. Leaving seed stalks in place over winter provides food for birds. Liatris has corms with shallow, fibrous roots that can grow up to 16 inches deep.
Companion plants that pair well with Liatris include dianthus, penstemon, goldenrod, purple coneflower, and black-eyed Susan.
This deer-resistant native perennial requires protection from rabbits during its first year.
It’s recommended to dig and divide the plant in the spring every few years when the leaves emerge. To do so, separate the corms using a knife or shovel, ensuring each division has at least one eye. Replant them at the same depth and water thoroughly.
Gay Feather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a native perennial that is hardy in zones 3-8. It is indigenous to the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. Liatris produces long, dense flower spikes that bloom from the top down, showcasing small, star-shaped purple flowers. The blooming period lasts from July to September, making Liatris one of the best plants for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Liatris features pollen-rich flowers, which also makes it a lovely cut flower or filler for bouquets. The vase life can last up to 14 days if the water is changed frequently. Additionally, Liatris serves as a host plant for the larvae of several moth species, including the glorious flower moth (Schinia gloriosa), bleeding flower moth (Schinia sanguinea), three-lined flower moth (Shinia trifascia), wavy-lined emerald (Synchralicta aerata), and the blazing star borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis).
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow to be 2-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet. It adapts well to clay, loam, and sandy soils, preferring moist, well-drained conditions.
The stem leaves are narrow and short, with the stem reaching heights of up to 4 feet. The foliage grows densely at the base, featuring alternate, narrow leaves that can be up to 10 inches long. Leaving seed stalks in place over winter provides food for birds. Liatris has corms with shallow, fibrous roots that can grow up to 16 inches deep.
Companion plants that pair well with Liatris include dianthus, penstemon, goldenrod, purple coneflower, and black-eyed Susan.
This deer-resistant native perennial requires protection from rabbits during its first year.
It’s recommended to dig and divide the plant in the spring every few years when the leaves emerge. To do so, separate the corms using a knife or shovel, ensuring each division has at least one eye. Replant them at the same depth and water thoroughly.
Gay Feather or Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a native perennial that is hardy in zones 3-8. It is indigenous to the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. Liatris produces long, dense flower spikes that bloom from the top down, showcasing small, star-shaped purple flowers. The blooming period lasts from July to September, making Liatris one of the best plants for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Liatris features pollen-rich flowers, which also makes it a lovely cut flower or filler for bouquets. The vase life can last up to 14 days if the water is changed frequently. Additionally, Liatris serves as a host plant for the larvae of several moth species, including the glorious flower moth (Schinia gloriosa), bleeding flower moth (Schinia sanguinea), three-lined flower moth (Shinia trifascia), wavy-lined emerald (Synchralicta aerata), and the blazing star borer moth (Carmenta anthracipennis).
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow to be 2-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet. It adapts well to clay, loam, and sandy soils, preferring moist, well-drained conditions.
The stem leaves are narrow and short, with the stem reaching heights of up to 4 feet. The foliage grows densely at the base, featuring alternate, narrow leaves that can be up to 10 inches long. Leaving seed stalks in place over winter provides food for birds. Liatris has corms with shallow, fibrous roots that can grow up to 16 inches deep.
Companion plants that pair well with Liatris include dianthus, penstemon, goldenrod, purple coneflower, and black-eyed Susan.
This deer-resistant native perennial requires protection from rabbits during its first year.
It’s recommended to dig and divide the plant in the spring every few years when the leaves emerge. To do so, separate the corms using a knife or shovel, ensuring each division has at least one eye. Replant them at the same depth and water thoroughly.