Liatris – Gayfeather, Dotted Blazing Star – Liatris punctata

Description

Dotted Blazing Star – Liatris punctata

This hardy, late-summer bloomer is an excellent specimen plant for along foundations or in cut-flower displays. Tall narrow spikes of dense rose purple flowers cluster at the top of long stems. Also known as Dotted Blazing Star, punctata means speckled, the beautiful rose-lavender flowers of this perennial, tower above green grassy leaves. Plant Liatris in gritty, sandy soil with good drainage, in full sun to aid the development of the long tap root. This is a good host plant for Indian Paintbrush Castilleja integra. Germination may be improved by chilling the seed at 40 degrees for a week before planting. This species is a native perennial found in the eastern and midwestern states. The late blooms of Liatris punctata are a favorite of the monarch butterfly.

Color:  Lavender
Height:  24-48″
Type:  Perennial
Climate:  Sun/Dry
Seeds/lb.:  64,000
Rate:  1 oz./125 sq.ft.
Bloom time:  Aug-Oct.
Pkt. weight:  1 gm. (approx. 119 seeds)
Zones:  3a-9b