Liatris pycnostachya

Liatris pycnostachya: Towering Prairie Spikes, Densely Packed

Prairie Blazing Star is the tallest one at the party and it is not bending down to hear you. Dense rose-purple spikes stretch skyward and open from the top down. THE BUTTERFLIES NEED A LADDER.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Liatris pycnostachya
• Common Name: Prairie Blazing Star, also called thickspike gayfeather
• Height: 90–150 cm (3–5 ft)
• Spread: 60 cm (24 in)
• Flowers: Dense, fluffy rose-purple flower heads packed along tall spikes. They open from the top of the spike downward.
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, grass-like green leaves that get smaller up the stem

Where to Plant: Put it in the middle or back of a sunny border, or let it rise out of a prairie or meadow planting where its spikes can tower over shorter plants. It's a strong vertical accent in a butterfly garden and a good choice for a cutting bed.

Companion Plants: At the front, Coreopsis 'American Dream' keeps pink daisies coming at 30 to 40 cm from June to September. Solidago 'Little Lemon' adds soft yellow at 30 to 45 cm from July to September, a bright match for the tall purple spikes. Panicum Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' brings a 90 cm grassy texture that flowers from August to October. Together they make an easy prairie-style planting for full sun.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun in average, well-drained soil. It copes with clay better than many prairie plants, but avoid spots where water sits all winter, because the corm can rot. Water regularly through the first season while it settles in. Skip the fertilizer. Rich soil and shade make the tall spikes floppy. If yours lean, plant it among grasses or sturdy neighbours for support. Leave the seed heads standing for the birds and winter interest, then cut the stems back in late fall or early spring. Older clumps can be divided in spring if they get crowded.

History: Prairie blazing star comes from the tallgrass prairies of the central United States, roughly from North Dakota and Wisconsin south to Texas and Mississippi. Its species name means thick or dense spike, and the common name gayfeather comes from the feathery look of the flower heads.

Final Thoughts: Plant it at the back of the border and let it tower over everything else. The deer will walk right past. LOOK UP. WAY UP.