gayfeather, blazing star

This tall, erect, clump-forming, native perennial produces tall spikes of flowers covered in hundreds of fuzzy violet or white blooms in late summer. Liatris are wonderful pollinator and bird attractants, and grow well in rain gardens and clay soil.

Plant in well-drained to dry, nutrient rich soil amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water, once a week the first year. Use Plant-tone and Iron-tone in spring or at planting; apply Osmocote in summer. Mulch 1-2” to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in spring every 4 years.