Liatris elegans

RHS Plant Profile
elegant gay feather
elegant gay feather RHS

Other common names

elegant blazing star

Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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