Species blazing star
Magenta flowers with burgundy-green buds, green leaves, burgundy petioles and stems

blazing star

Liatris scariosa

Blazing star is a vibrant North American wildflower with tall, cone-like spikes of lavender-pink flowers. This tall and sturdy plant grows up to 3 feet high, and blooms in summer. Blazing star thrives in almost any soil type, in full sun or partial shade. It attracts an array of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-10 and is tolerant of drought and frost. Blazing star makes an excellent addition to wildflower gardens or prairie meadows, as it is easy to propagate and long-lasting in the garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Reddish purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blazing Star requires regular waterings to keep the soil slightly moist. In summer, the plant should be watered about 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall and temperatures. In cooler months, the plant should only be watered about once a month. During dry periods, the plant should be given a deep watering to ensure the roots are getting enough moisture. Water the soil around the plant instead of the foliage to prevent the spread of disease.

sunlight

Blazing Stars (Liatris scariosa) generally require direct sunlight for as much as 8-10 hours per day. Blazing Stars are best suited to full sun (something that tends to be common during the summer months) and tend to withstand moderate levels of shade. The plant should be placed in an area that receives direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Blazing Stars are also very cold-hardy and will tolerate low temperatures if properly insulated. During the winter months, it should be kept in an area that is exposed to bright, indirect sunlight.

pruning

Blazing Star should be pruned once or twice each year, in late winter or early winter before new growth starts. To prune this species, remove any dead, broken or diseased stems, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against other branches. Reduce the plant’s size slightly by removing any larger branches and shoots. Make sure, however, to leave at least 2 thirds of the original height to maintain the shape and growth of the plant. Additionally, it’s good to prune off any developing seedheads if they don’t suit the desired shape of the plant. Finally, ensure all cuts are made at an angle, to help reduce the risk of potential fungal infections.

Season

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

Liatris scariosa typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map