Species smallhead blazing star
Lavender flowers with dark-burgundy petiole, purple stigma purple stigma, green leaves and stems

smallhead blazing star

Liatris microcephala

Smallhead Blazing Star is a beautiful prairie wildflower native to the United States. It reaches up to 3 feet tall with slender, bristly leaves and bright-purple flower heads. The flowers are arranged in dense, cone-shaped spikes and bloom from the top down from July till September. This plant requires regular watering and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. It’s a great choice for mass planting in gardens and also makes an excellent cut flower. Smallhead Blazing Star is a wonderful choice for pollinators, as it attracts numerous species of butterflies and bees. This gorgeous wildflower will be sure to bring beauty and life to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Purple Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Low

watering

Smallhead Blazing Star should be watered deeply once or twice a week depending on the weather. Watering should be done either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperatures are cooler. Make sure the soil is well drained, as this plant does not like wet feet. Before watering, check the soil by sticking your finger in it up to the second knuckle. If the soil is dry up to the second knuckle, then it is time to water. During particularly hot and dry spells, be sure to increase watering frequency.

sunlight

Smallhead blazing star (Liatris microcephala) is a native plant that does well in full or partially sunny areas. It prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Smallhead blazing star prefers cooler temperatures and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6 and 7. It’s important to note that too much sun can damage the plant, so choose a location that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too little sunlight can cause the foliage to be weak and can affect the plant’s flowering capabilities. The best time of day to give smallhead blazing star is from morning to early afternoon. By taking the amount of direct sunlight into consideration and providing the plant with the proper amount, it's possible to enjoy its beautiful features in the garden.

pruning

Smallhead Blazing Star (Liatris microcephala) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. Prune off any dead or damaged stems or flower heads at this time to promote flowering and prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, prune back the outer growth of the plant after it flowers, as this will encourage fuller and more vibrant growth in the next season. These outer stems can be removed anywhere from a couple of inches to several feet for the best quality blooms in the following season.

Season

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

Smallhead blazing star typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Smallhead blazing star typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map