A really lovely native perennial wildflower with tall stiff stems of bright purple flowers. It needs full sun and prefers poor soil. Once established needs virtually no maintenance or care. Fairly drought tolerant for short periods but does better with some weekly watering if there is no rain. It makes an excellent cut flower and its nectar-rich flowers are a favorite with butterflies and hummingbirds. Will flower in second year from seed, after which clumps will increase in size yearly.
Description
Perennial hardy to zone 3. Begins as a small clump of narrow grass like leaves
up to 12" (30cm) long. Leaves are medium green in color and curl over forming
a small basal tuft. From this in early to mid summer one or more tall stalks
arise. Stems have lower leaves that decrease in size as they ascend, the top
6-12" (15-30cm) or more of the stem is flowers. Each small flower has long
fluffy petals which gives rise to its name gayfeather. The spikes are stiff
and upright and unusually for plants flower from the top of the stem downwards.
Flower stalks are thick and unbranched and stay in bloom for a month or more.
Plant grows from a small corm which over winters in the ground easily coming
back year after year. From seed plants will flower in their second year.
Location and Care.
Blazing stars need full sun to flower well but they can tolerate most soil types
as long as they are well drained. It's a tough native perennial of the prairies
so its ideal habitat is full hot sun on well drained soil with lots of air circulation.
They will not grow in wet or waterlogged soils. They also cannot tolerate soils
that are wet in winter as it will rot out the corms. Plant do best with at least
a weekly watering - if there is not rain - to perform at their best. Once established
they are fairly drought tolerant but will not produce good flowers and leaves
if planted in a location that gets very little water. They can however withstand
occasional droughts with no problems.
It prefers a poorer soil and will tend to become lush and develop weak stems
if given too much rich loam. A small amount of mulch around the plants either
in winter or early spring should suffice, don't overdo it. It is not necessary
to feed the plants in most cases.
Blazing stars (Liatris) is a great plant for borders and sunny areas were color
is needed in summer. The compact nature of the plant makes it ideal for small
compact areas or corners where color is needed but there is little space. It
is a favorite of both butterflies and hummingbirds so planting near a deck or
window gives the added attraction of wildlife viewing.
Growing
Germination can take anywhere from 20 to 45 days. Seeds require a period of
cold to germinate (called stratification) all our seeds have been cold stratified.
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in early spring however due to the
long germination period weeds can easily take over the bed before the plants
have the opportunity to grow. Weeding can be difficult since seedlings look
like grass. Seeding indoors is suggested to retain control of the plants growth.
Plant seeds as per our growing
instructions for medium seeds, barely cover the seeds. Transplant
to their own pots when large enough to handle. Plant out in later spring or
summer, ensure plants are hardened off first and plant out on a cloudy day when
rain is due to ensure that the plants get the best start in their new home.
Space about 15" (38cm) apart. Once the corms have developed they will produce
new small corms each year and the plant will grow into a small then large clump
of flowers. It is recommended that clumps be divided every 4-5 years.
Plants grown from seed will not flower until their
second year.
Pests and Diseases.
Liatris may develop mildew if planted where there is insufficient sunlight and
air circulation so ensure the location allows for plenty of room and sunshine.
Medical Uses.
Both the leaves and the roots can be used. Liatris has long been used to treat
sore throats, and it is reported to be extremely effective in treating gonorrhea.
The leaves are lightly aromatic due to a compound called Coumarin which has
diuretic properties and is valuable in treating Brights disease. The substance
is also reported to have a anti clotting effect on the blood and can prevent
clotting when there is a cut.
Other uses.
The aromatic leaves and roots can be added to pot-pourri as well as various
herbal insect repellants. It is also used to flavor some types of tobacco and
bags of the dried leaves in the closet are said to repel moths.
Other names
Snakeroot, Button, Gay Feather. Devil's Bite. Colic Root.