Liatris 'Kobold'

Liatris 'Kobold': Compact Spires with Pollinator Power

Shorter in stature but rich in presence, Liatris 'Kobold' delivers dense spikes of vivid purple blooms that rise like exclamation points above tidy, grassy foliage. This compact cultivar brings the same butterfly-magnet charm as its taller cousins, but in a perfectly scaled-down form for modern borders and small-space plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–60 cm
• Spread: 25–35 cm, upright and clumping
• Flower Colour: Bright purple
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to late summer
• Foliage: Fine, grass-like green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained; tolerates poor, sandy, or clay soils once established

Uses and Benefits: Liatris 'Kobold' is the perfect choice for adding vertical interest to low-profile borders, pollinator gardens, and container combinations. Its strong, upright stems don’t require staking, and its compact size fits beautifully among mounding perennials or along paths. A reliable source of nectar for butterflies and bees, it adds texture, colour, and seasonal rhythm to sunny designs with minimal maintenance.

Companion Plants: Pair Liatris 'Kobold' with Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry' for a vivid mid-summer display in complementary shades. Introduce Nepeta 'Walker's Low' to soften the edges and encourage pollinator activity. Anchor the trio with Festuca 'Buddy Blue', whose cool-toned foliage adds contrast and a refined foundation beneath the blooms.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Deadhead to prolong bloom or leave flower spikes for ornamental seedheads. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vitality.

History: Liatris 'Kobold' is a compact selection of the North American native Liatris spicata, prized for its tidy size, strong stems, and consistent flowering. It has become a go-to choice for smaller gardens, urban landscapes, and pollinator plantings.

Final Thoughts: Bursting with vibrant colour and ecological value, Liatris 'Kobold' is a powerhouse in a small package—perfect for bringing upright energy and pollinator buzz to compact garden spaces.