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Mixing Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) with other perennials creates vibrant, diverse, and long-lasting garden displays. This guide will help you select the best companions for Blazing Star to ensure a thriving and visually appealing landscape.
Understanding Blazing Star
Blazing Star is a native North American perennial known for its tall, spiky purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its upright growth habit and striking flowers make it an excellent focal point in perennial beds and pollinator gardens.
Selective Companion Plants
Choosing the right companions enhances the beauty of Blazing Star and supports healthy growth. Consider plants with similar sun and soil requirements, and aim for a mix of textures and heights to create visual interest.
Grasses
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Its blue-green foliage and reddish fall color complement the purple spikes of Blazing Star.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Tall, airy, and versatile, it adds movement and texture.
- Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora): Its upright form and feathery plumes contrast beautifully with Blazing Star’s spikes.
Other Perennials
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer, pairing well with Blazing Star’s purple.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Its daisy-like blooms add a different shape and attract pollinators.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Its golden flowers bloom in late summer to fall, creating a warm color palette.
Planting Tips
When planting Blazing Star with other perennials, consider the following tips:
- Ensure adequate spacing for mature size to prevent overcrowding.
- Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
- Group plants with similar water needs to simplify maintenance.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Plan for staggered bloom times to extend visual interest throughout the season.
Designing Your Garden
Designing with Blazing Star involves balancing height, color, and texture. Place taller plants like Switchgrass at the back or center of beds, with shorter plants like Black-eyed Susan in front. Incorporate grasses to add movement and soften the structure.
Consider creating a naturalistic planting style, allowing plants to drift and mingle, or a more structured layout with defined borders. The key is to create a harmonious and inviting space that attracts pollinators and provides seasonal interest.
Maintenance and Care
To keep your planting vibrant:
- Water regularly during dry spells, especially after planting.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
- Divide overcrowded clumps every few years in early spring or fall.
- Apply a layer of mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize sparingly; most perennials thrive in lean soil.
Conclusion
Mixing Blazing Star with other perennials creates a dynamic and pollinator-friendly garden. By selecting plants with compatible growing conditions and thoughtful design, you can enjoy a stunning display of color and texture year after year.