Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star

Liatris Spicata

Design with this plant

Overview

Spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), also known as Blazing Star, is a North American perennial with striking, dense spikes of purple flowers, reaching heights of 2-4 feet. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming in late summer. Attractive to butterflies and bees, it's ideal for pollinator gardens. Hardy in zones 4-9, it provides vertical interest and vibrant color, with low maintenance once established. Spacing is typically 12-15 inches apart.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 3–9Climate Temperate

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — also known as Blazing Star

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a North American perennial with striking

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — dense spikes of purple flowers

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — reaching heights of 2-4 feet

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming in late summer

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Hardy in zones 4-9, it provides vertical interest and vibrant color, with low maintenance once established

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low
USDA zones: 3–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Asteraceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (77)

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — also known as Blazing Star

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a North American perennial with striking

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — dense spikes of purple flowers

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — reaching heights of 2-4 feet

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming in late summer

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Hardy in zones 4-9, it provides vertical interest and vibrant color, with low maintenance once established

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Spacing is typically 12-15 inches apart

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Attractive to butterflies and bees, it's ideal for pollinator gardens

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — commonly referred to as Blazing Star or Liatris spicata

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a charismatic perennial that makes a bold statement in any garden design

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — rich purple to pinkish flower heads

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — bloom from the top down in mid-summer to early fall

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — giving it a distinctive appearance.<br><br>Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Blazing Star thrives in full sun with well-drained soil

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — though it is remarkably tolerant to drought once established

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — offering a low-maintenance option for the landscape

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — With its grass-like foliage

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — When designing with this plant

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinators

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — enhancing the ecological value of their space

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Moreover, it is deer-resistant, ensuring its vibrant display remains unmarred throughout the growing season

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — With minimal upkeep and striking beauty

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