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)

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Asteraceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (77)

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) — Liatris spicata entices butterflies and other beneficial pollinators; also known as Blazing Star, image 74

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — When designing with this plant, image 77

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — Moreover, it is deer-resistant, ensuring its vibrant display remains unmarred throughout the, image 76

Spike Gayfeather, Blazing Star (Liatris Spicata) — enhancing the ecological value of their space; spacing is typically 12-15 inches apart, image 75

Related plants

Dunedin Hybrid Groundsel (Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrid 'Sunshine') — Brachyglottis 'Sunshine' is a hardy evergreen shrub

Dunedin Hybrid Groundsel

Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrid 'Sunshine'

Full · Zones 9–10

'Bottle Rocket' Ligularia (Ligularia hybrid) — Proven Winners - 'Bottle Rocket' - Ligularia hybrid yellow plant details, information and resources

'Bottle Rocket' Ligularia

Ligularia hybrid

Fragrant Angel Coneflower (Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel') — pure white flowers that can grow up to 4-5 inches across

Fragrant Angel Coneflower

Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel'

Full · Zones 3–9

Petite Licorice Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) — Proven Winners - Petite Licorice - Licorice Plant - Helichrysum petiolare none plant details

Petite Licorice Licorice Plant

Helichrysum petiolare

Pussytoes (Antennaria Plantaginifolia) — commonly known as Pussytoes

Pussytoes

Antennaria Plantaginifolia

Full · Zones 3–8

Showy Sunflower (Helianthus 'Lemon Queen') — is a robust perennial reaching up to 6-8 feet tall with a spread of 3-4 feet

Showy Sunflower

Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Full · Zones 3–10