Liatris pycnostachya.
Prairie Blazing Star is a perennial wildflower native to the central United States where it can often be found growing in tallgrass prairies, open woods, and meadows.
Plant grows to about 4 feet in height and produces tall spikes of tightly bunched, lavender to purple colored flowers that bloom from July through September.
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during its summer bloom.
Excellent for planting in medium to wet soils. Typically blooms in the second year.
Prairie Blazing Star
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 18 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July to September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix the Liatris Pycnostachya seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before sowing. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring.
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.