Species blazing star
purple flowers, green stem, and green leaves

blazing star

Liatris ligulistylis

Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) is a hardy perennial flower native to the eastern United States. It grows up to 3 feet high with purple-pink flowers atop long, erect, flower spikes. The blooms of Blazing Star appear in late summer or fall and attract a variety of butterflies and moths to the garden. Its leaves are thin and grass-like with an upright, grass-like habit and are aromatic when crushed. For additional interest, its flowers produce fluff-like bristles in the fall. Blooming from midsummer to fall, Blazing Star is a striking addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Rose-purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) should be watered once a week, with 1-2 inches of water. This plant prefers regular, deep watering, as opposed to shallow watering multiple times a week. Before watering, check the soil to make sure it's dry before adding water, as the plant does not do well in soggy soil. It is best to water approximately the same time each week, such as early in the morning, in order to allow time for the water to be absorbed by the plant before evening temperatures cause evaporation. Water slowly, using a watering can or a garden hose with a water breaker attachment, in order to avoid damaging the soil around the plant. When finished, gently press around the base of the plant to ensure that the water has reached the roots.

sunlight

Blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) is a native plant species that grows best in full sun. It prefers a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, it is best to select a spot in the garden that receives at least 8 hours of direct sun. While blazing star can survive partial shade, it will produce fewer flowers and require more frequent watering if it does not receive sufficient sunlight. Additionally, blazing star is less likely to become leggy or require frequent staking if it receives more sunlight. For optimal blooms, blazing star should be placed in a spot that receives full sun throughout the day.

pruning

Pruning for Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) should be done at the start of the season before new growth occurs. If necessary, a second light pruning may be done at the end of the flowering season. Pruning should be light and limited to about 1 third of the stems' height. Pruning should also focus primarily on the weakened and dead stems, while removing any crowded or overly long bloom spikes. The goal of pruning should be to maintain the size and shape of the plant while encouraging new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Blazing star typically starts flowering in July and August.

Hardiness Map