Liatris spicata.
Marsh Blazing Sar, also known as Dense Gayfeather, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States where it can often be found growing in moist prairies and alongside marshes and bogs.
Plant grows to about 5 feet in height and produces tall spikes of tightly bunched, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from July through September.
Attracts numerous species of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Excellent for planting in wet soil and highly adaptable to sunny, well-drained gardens.
Marsh Blazing Star
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Wet, sandy, well-draining Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 24 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before planting. Keep soil lightly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 3 to 4 weeks if soil temperatures remain around 65 to 70 degrees F.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.