July Perennial of the Month-Blazing star
Surely, Dr. Suess was inspired by our native Liatris species, commonly called blazing star or gayfeather. The purple flowerheads are comprised of multiple flowers called florets, crammed together on one stem, each resembling the wacky hairstyles of Whos. (From Whoville!) And, if blazing stars are grown in too much shade, they lean, twist, and turn themselves into shapes worthy of a Suess landscape like in the photo below!
There are 45 Liatris species globally, nine of which are native to Missouri. (For an in-depth discussion about the differences between natives, check out Blazing Stars (Gayfeathers; Liatris) | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov))
No matter what the species, blazing stars like SUN and lots of it. Its natural habitat is the prairie and open areas like pastures and roadsides with well-drained soils. Blazing star roots can grow up to 15′, ensuring their survival in competitive prairie-like environments.
The height varies from the 8-30″ of Liatris squarrosa and the 8-12″ of L. cylindracea to the 6′ giant flowerheads of L. scariosa or L. aspera.
One thing I like about Blazing Star is its ability to be layered among other bushier plants. The growing stems pop up mid-season and produce a dose of purple color that grabs attention. For the best results, companion plants should be rounded, busy, or flat-topped so the spikey flower heads don’t get lost.
Pollinators LOVE liatris, and so do birds, which eat the seeds. Liatris is also a host species for certain flower moths, like the bleeding flower moth (Schinia sanguine).
The spikes bloom starting at the top, making it a great, long-lasting cut flower favorite since spent flowers can be snipped off the top as they fade.
What I love about this plant;
-It’s native!
-Pollinators love it!
-Long-lasting, uniquely shaped flower heads.
-Great cut flower.
What’s not so great;
– Too much shade creates “leaners.”
–The roots are attractive to voles and other herbivores.
-Does not transplant well due to deep taproots.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer unless stated otherwise.
