Blazing Star

Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial that grows wild in marshy places and damp meadows from Long Island to Michigan and south to Florida and Louisiana. It is hardy and was listed as a plant native to eastern North America. Its tall, bottlebrush-like spikes of small purple flowers open from the top down. Bloom colors include lavender, purple and white, and some describe the spikes as purplish-pink.

The flowers draw bees, moths, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is reported to be deer resistant. Named forms include ‘Alba’, with pure white flowers about 18 inches tall, and ‘Kobold’, a compact type with dense, deep purple flower heads.

Sow seed indoors or directly in the garden in early spring. Seeds should come up in 20 to 45 days. Germination improves after 4 to 6 weeks of cold, moist stratification, or when seed is planted outside in fall or early winter. Seed can also be sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn.

Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. It grows best in full sun but can take some shade, and one profile lists it as sun or partial shade. Space plants 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) apart. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) tall and spread about 4 to 20 inches (10 to 50 cm) wide.

Expect a wait for flowers: plants generally will not bloom until their second or third year. You can also divide large clumps in spring as the leaves emerge, keeping at least one eye on each division. Divided plants grow slowly, so they usually cost more than seed-grown plants.

Water regularly during the first growing season so the plant builds a strong root system. Fertilize before new growth begins in spring. Deadhead regularly, then cut the stems down to the ground in winter. Plants may need staking if grown in very rich, moist soil.

Plants will rot if the soil stays too wet, so good drainage and air circulation matter. Leaf spots, rusts, stem rot, powdery mildew and wilt can affect this plant, though it has no significant insect problems. Other profiles describe it as generally pest-free and generally disease-free.

For dried flowers, cut the spikes when one-half to two-thirds of the flowers are open. Hang them upside down in a protected spot for about 3 weeks to air-dry.