Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Liatris spicata
Dense Blazing Star
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 2-4 feet tall
- Width
- 1-2 feet wide
- Flower color
- Purple to pink flowers arranged in a tall, spiky form
- Foliage color
- Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadheading after bloom encourages new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3-9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds, especially in late summer when the seeds mature
About this plant
Liatris spicata boasts vibrant purple or pink flowers that bloom in dense, spiky clusters. The blooms open from the top down in mid to late summer, gradually unveiling a vertical column of color that adds both texture and elegance to gardens and landscapes.
Native to North America, Liatris spicata is commonly found in prairies and meadows, where it thrives in open, well-drained soils. Its tall, narrow spikes attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildflower gardens. This perennial is also favored for its long-lasting blossoms, making it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
