Gro 'n Sell
Liatris (32)
This florist staple makes a bright and long lasting addition to bouquets and is super easy to grow. Plants make bigger clumps every year. It's a native US prairie plant, so give it full sun and good drainage and stand back.
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Please note that perennial orders must be placed separately from other plug orders. The minimum order is two trays, which may be mixed and matched with all other perennials in this collection. Learn more about our perennial program here.
About Tray Sizes (please read)
210 and 125 cell trays are full-sized trays, and three of these will fit in a shipping box.
50 cell trays are half-sized trays (unless otherwise noted) and two of these are the equivalent of one full sized tray. Six of these will fit in a shipping box. These trays are long and skinny. (Think hotdogs). There are not compatible with 25 cell half trays. Scoop scabiosa, veronica, solidago, gypsophila, hypericum, herbs, some tweedia, and others are grown in the 50 cell tray.
*Chrysanthemums are grown in the same 50 cell half tray as mentioned above, but due to their height, they take up twice as much space. So TWO half trays of mums takes up 2/3 of the box.
25 cell half trays are also half-sized trays, but they are short and square. (Think hamburgers). These are not compatible with 50 cell half trays. Limonium and astrantia are grown in this tray.
Gerberas are also grown in a 25 cell half tray, but are tall that the others, and FOUR of these half trays of gerberas fills a box.
18 and 32 cell trays are full sized trays specifically for our vernalized perennials. These have their own set of shipping rules (find details HERE) and cannot be combined with items grown in 210, 125, or 50 cell trays.
Growing Guides
Click here to access all of our comprehensive growing guides.
| Common Name | Blazing Star, Gayfeather |
| Genus | Liatris |
| Species | Liatris spicata |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial (USDA zones 3-9) |
| Format | Perennial Plugs |
| Plug Care | Avoid exposing plugs to stressful conditions while still in the plug trays - do not allow plugs to dry out, and do not allow them to become rootbound. Harden off plants before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 5-7 days. Can be bumped up into larger cells/pots and grown on if conditions are not favorable for direct planting at time of arrival. |
| Netting / Staking | Staking is generally unnecessary as Liatris has strong, upright stems. In windy areas or high-density plantings, netting may provide extra support. |
| Temperature Range | Liatris thrives in a wide range of temperatures, performing best between 65-85°F. It tolerates heat and is moderately drought-resistant once established. Hardy down to Zone 3. |
| Spacing | Space plants 12-15 inches apart in the row, with 24-30 inches between rows. This spacing allows good air circulation and room for the tall flower spikes to grow straight. Clumps will continue to expand year after year. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Avoid waterlogged soils, as Liatris is prone to root rot in overly wet conditions. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral; flowering is triggered by plant maturity and temperature rather than photoperiod. Plant in full sun for the best quality blooms and sturdy stems. |
| Pinching | Pinching is not recommended. Allow plants to grow naturally to develop their characteristic tall, spiky flower stalks. |
| When to Plant | Plant our vernalized plugs in the spring, when the ground is workable. These plugs will just be coming out of dormancy and should be frost tolerant at the time of arrival. Protect tender new growth from frosts. Actively growing plugs can be planted anytime through the growing season, until early fall. |
| Harvesting | Harvest flower spikes when 1/3 to 1/2 of the florets on the stalk have opened for the best vase life. Cut stems in the early morning or in the evening when temperatures are cool, using clean, sharp tools. Make cuts just above the basal rosette of leaves to encourage more stems. |
| Post Harvest Care | Immediately place stems in clean, cool water. Strip foliage that would be submerged to prevent bacterial growth. Liatris benefits from a floral preservative to extend vase life, which typically ranges from 7-10 days. |
| Diseases / Insects | Liatris is relatively trouble-free but may encounter occasional issues with root rot in overly saturated soils, powdery mildew in humid conditions, and aphids/other common plant pests that are widespread. |
| Bailey's Notes | Liatris spicata 'Floristan Violet' produces stunning violet flower spikes that are prized for their vertical interest and long-lasting vase life. As a perennial, it establishes quickly from plugs, making it an efficient and rewarding addition to your cut flower lineup. Stems left to flower on the plant are a pollinator magnet - you will be astounded by the number of bees and butterflies that frequent the blooms. |
| Resources |
North Carolina State Extension: Liatris Profile University of Illinois Extension: Perennial Care Guides |