Liatris elegans
elegant gayfeather
L. elegans is a variable perennial up to 1.2m tall though often shorter. The very narrow leaves form a basal clump and clothe the lower part of the flowering stems which are topped by narrow spires of small, tubular, pale pink to pinky purple flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Liatris are herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers which open from the top down
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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