Liatris aspera

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Herbaceous Perennial
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An herbaceous perennial with rough stems to a height of 2m with a strong growing, drought tolerant rosette of hairy green leaves. The stems carry small, narrow leaves and towards the tops, spikes of blooms up to 45cm long, made up of clusters of small purple flowers. Flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
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
Eastern N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows in well-drained soil in full sun. May need staking in windier positions. Dislikes winter wet. See staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate from seed in autumn or by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Cut back at the end of the season to ground level

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and a leaf spot