Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
A native prairie perennial of striking vertical drama, Blazing Star is a showstopper in the summer garden. Tall, slender spikes rise boldly above grassy, strap-like foliage, opening from the top downward — an unusual trait that sets it apart from most flowering spikes — in vivid shades of rosy-purple to magenta. The fluffy, feathery florets are irresistible to monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it one of the most valuable pollinator plants for the prairie garden. Come autumn, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other songbirds, extending its seasonal value well beyond bloom time. Excellent as a cut flower, both fresh and dried.
- Mature Size: 60–90 cm (24–36 in) tall | Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
- Sun: Full sun; performs best with maximum light exposure
- Water: Moderate to low; drought-tolerant once established; avoid wet or poorly drained soils, especially in winter
- Soil: Well-drained to dry; thrives in average to poor soils; excellent in sandy or gravelly conditions
- Hardiness: Zone 3 — superb cold hardiness for prairie landscapes
- Pruning: Deadhead spent spikes to encourage a second flush; leave some seed heads standing for wildlife through winter; cut back to the ground in early spring
- Maintenance: Very low; naturalizes well and may slowly spread by self-seeding over time