Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violett'

RHS Plant Profile
button snakewort 'Floristan Violett'
button snakewort 'Floristan Violett' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A bulbous perennial to about 70cm in height, with narrow green foliage on tall stems. Bright bottle-brushlike purplish-pink flower spikes appear in late summer and early autumn with seedheads following to provide winter interest

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
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

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 division every three to four years in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • 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