Blazing Star (Liatris) is a perennial wildflower with tall spikes of vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers. This North American native adds vertical interest to gardens. It is a low-maintenance plant that adapts well to various climates.
Planting for Success
Blazing Star thrives with proper site selection and soil preparation. The plant needs full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, for robust growth and blooms. Well-draining soil is important, as Liatris corms are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
Liatris prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. While it tolerates poor soils, compost can improve drainage and fertility. When planting corms in spring, place them two to four inches deep and twelve to fifteen inches apart, ensuring the pointed side faces upward. If starting from seed, sow them lightly covered in fall or early winter, as cold stratification is necessary for germination.
Essential Ongoing Care
Once established, Blazing Star is drought-tolerant, but water consistently during its first growing season to develop a strong root system. After this initial period, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions to prevent overwatering. Water at the soil line to reduce fungal disease risk.
Avoid heavy fertilization; rich soil can cause floppy stems. If soil fertility is poor, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Deadheading spent flower spikes can encourage a second bloom and maintain tidiness, though leaving seed heads provides winter interest and food for birds. Mulching around the plant’s base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Blazing Star can encounter common issues. Root rot, caused by poor drainage or overwatering, is a concern. Ensuring excellent drainage and allowing the soil to dry between waterings are preventative measures. Fungal diseases (powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust) may appear, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation.
Space plants adequately for airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Flopping stems result from excessive nitrogen or insufficient sunlight. Planting in full sun and avoiding over-fertilization helps maintain upright growth. Lack of blooms indicates insufficient sunlight, but young plants may also take one to two years to flower after initial planting.
Advanced Tips for Thriving Blazing Stars
Blazing Star attracts pollinators: bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with its blooms. This makes it a good choice for wildlife gardens. The plant is also deer-resistant.
Propagate by seed or by dividing corms every few years to rejuvenate plants or prevent overcrowding. Divide in early spring as new growth begins, separating clumps into sections with a healthy corm and “eyes” or buds. For companion planting, Liatris pairs well with other sun-loving, well-draining soil plants such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, or ornamental grasses, providing vertical contrast. Varieties like ‘Alba’ offer white flowers, while ‘Kobold’ is a more compact option with deep-purple blooms.