Table of Contents
Adding Liatris to your garden can bring vibrant colors and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With many varieties available, choosing the right one can enhance your garden’s beauty and biodiversity. Here are the top five Liatris varieties to consider planting.
1. Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)
This popular variety features tall, spiky flower heads with vibrant purple blooms. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and blooms from mid to late summer. Its dense flower spikes make it ideal for borders and cut flower arrangements.
2. Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star)
Native to North American prairies, this Liatris offers striking, tall flower spikes that can reach up to 6 feet. The purple flowers bloom from late summer to early fall and are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
3. Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
This variety is known for its rough-textured leaves and deep purple flowers. It typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and blooms from late summer into fall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it suitable for xeriscape gardens.
4. Liatris cylindracea (Cylindrical Blazing Star)
A shorter variety, usually reaching 1 to 2 feet in height, with dense, cylindrical flower clusters. Its bright purple flowers bloom in late summer and are excellent for planting in containers or front borders.
5. Liatris ligulistylis (Meadow Blazing Star)
This native species features slender, tall flower spikes with lavender-purple blooms. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and blooms from late summer to early fall, attracting a variety of pollinators.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Liatris variety depends on your garden’s conditions and aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer the tall, dramatic spikes of Liatris pycnostachya or the compact blooms of Liatris cylindracea, these top five varieties will add striking color and ecological value to your garden.