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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Liatris spicata

Dense Blazing Star

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

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.