Liatris spicata
button snakewort
A perennial to 70cm in height, with narrow foliage and purplish-pink flower spikes in late summer and early autumn
Other common names
dense blazing starKansas gay feather
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but 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
H7Botanical 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
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile soil that is reliably moist but not wet overwinter; full sun is essential
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn. Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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