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Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star

Liatris Spicata

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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 3–9Type PerennialClimate Temperate
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes; perennial for full or half, image 66
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinatorsSpike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinators; also known as Blazing Star, image 74Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — giving it a distinctive appearance.<br><br>Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8; enhancing the ecological valueSpike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — bloom from the top down in mid-summer to early fall, image 41Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes; perennial for full or halfSpike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a charismatic perennial that makes a bold statement in any garden design+90

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Asteraceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (97)

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes; perennial for full or half, image 66
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinators
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinators; also known as Blazing Star, image 74
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — giving it a distinctive appearance.<br><br>Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8; enhancing the ecological value
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — bloom from the top down in mid-summer to early fall, image 41
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes; perennial for full or half
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) — Blazing Star thrives in full sun with well-drained soil; spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), image 70
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — also known as Blazing Star; is a charismatic perennial that makes a bold statement in any garden design
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — lavender and purple flowers in the garden; commonly referred to as Blazing Star or Liatris spicata
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Spacing is typically 12-15 inches apart; it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, blooming, image 63
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a charismatic perennial that makes a bold statement in any garden design; liatris spicata entices
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — perennial with lavender and purple blooms; though it is remarkably tolerant to drought once established
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — When designing with this plant, image 50
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Its vertical flower spikes
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — perennial for full or half; with minimal upkeep and striking beauty
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — With minimal upkeep and striking beauty
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — commonly referred to as Blazing Star or Liatris spicata; rich purple to pinkish flower heads, image 64
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — offering a low-maintenance option for the landscape
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — is a North American perennial with striking; offering a low-maintenance option for the landscape, image 57
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — offering a low-maintenance option for the landscape; giving it a distinctive appearance.<br><br>Hardy in
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) — commonly referred to as Blazing Star or Liatris spicata; rich purple to pinkish flower heads
Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Spike Gayfeather (Liatris spicata)
Photographs by 11 contributors

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