Liatris 'Kobold'

Liatris 'Kobold': Compact Magenta Spikes Without the Stakes

'Kobold' is named after a mischievous goblin, and it acts like one. Short, bright magenta spikes that pop up, fluff out and steal every butterfly in the neighbourhood. GRAND THEFT POLLINATOR.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Liatris spicata 'Kobold' (also sold as 'Goblin')
• Common Name: Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star, Gayfeather
• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Bright magenta-purple, fluffy flower heads on dense spikes that open from the top down
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Deep green, narrow, grass-like leaves in a low clump
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good cut flower

Where to Plant: Its compact size makes it easy to place at the front or middle of a sunny border, in pollinator gardens, along walkways and in containers. Plant it in groups for a bold block of purple spikes.

Companion Plants: Iris 'Clarence' opens bicolour flowers at 75 to 90 cm in June and often reblooms in September, framing the Liatris on both ends of summer. Achillea 'Little Moonshine' sits in front at 30 to 35 cm with flat yellow heads from June to September. Pennisetum Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' softens the planting with a 90 to 105 cm grassy form that flowers from July to October. Everything here likes full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. The corm-like roots can rot in soggy ground over winter, so in heavy clay, raise the planting area or add grit and compost. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. No staking needed. Cut off spent spikes if you want a tidy look, or leave them for birds. Cut the foliage back in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps every three or four years in spring if they get crowded or start blooming less.

History: Liatris spicata is a wildflower of eastern North American prairies and wet meadows, reaching north into southwestern Ontario, where it's now a threatened species in the wild. 'Kobold', also sold as 'Goblin', is a long-popular compact selection that brings prairie colour to gardens without the height of the wild plant, which can reach about two metres.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits won't touch it and it shrugs off dry spells. Plant a handful up front and let the little troublemaker run the show. CHAOS NEVER LOOKED SO TIDY.