Prairie Blazing Star
Liatris pycnostachya
The tall blazing star: four to five feet of dense rose-purple spikes in late summer, with monarchs migrating through at peak bloom.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
The tallest, most dramatic Liatris for prairie-style meadows and back borders. five feet of purple flower spikes at monarch migration time.
Prairie Blazing Star is the tall one, reaching four to five feet in good soil, with densely packed rose-purple flower spikes that are fully as spectacular as any ornamental grass in the late-summer border. Its prairie origins mean it handles heat and drought better than Liatris spicata, and it brings that authentic tallgrass prairie presence that makes a meadow planting feel real rather than curated. Monarchs migrate through at peak bloom time in August. Plant it at the back of a sunny border or in the center of a meadow planting where its height becomes an asset. It sways naturally in the wind, and the grassy foliage through most of the season adds a meadow texture. The dried flower stalks and seed heads provide visual interest and goldfinch food through fall. One of the most impressive native perennials we offer in terms of sheer garden presence.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown prairie blazing star propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry
- Mature size
- 3–5 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- July–August
- USDA zones
- 3–9
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Central North America. tallgrass prairies from Indiana and Wisconsin west to Nebraska south to Arkansas and Louisiana
Care notes for prairie blazing star.
Plant in full sun in dry to average, well-drained soil. Prairie Blazing Star does not tolerate wet, heavy clay. Tall stems may need staking in rich, moist soils or exposed sites. Leave seed heads for goldfinches and songbirds through fall and winter. Cut back in early spring. Divide corms every four to five years to maintain vigor. Drought tolerant once established.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside prairie blazing star.
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