Bottlebrush Blazing Star Liatris Seeds

Bottlebrush Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata, though sometimes confused with or grouped alongside Liatris cylindracea in the trade) is a drought-tolerant native of the central and southern U.S., historically found in dry prairies, limestone glades, and open rangelands where its deep roots helped it thrive in harsh, exposed conditions. It earns its name from its showy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes, packed with feathery purple blooms that open from the top downward and draw heavy attention from butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The plant forms a tidy clump of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces upright stems that remain elegant even in lean, rocky soils. To grow Bottlebrush Blazing Star, sow seeds in full sun with well-drained soil, allowing natural winter stratificationor refrigerating seedsto ensure good germination; although slow to establish, it becomes a durable, low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with vivid late-summer color and excellent wildlife value.

Plant Height: 2′

Botanical Name: Liatris mucronata

Seed Type: Seed

Additional Characteristics: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Birds

Seeds Per Gram: 155

Seeds Per Pound: 70,400

Packet: 50 Seeds

Sow Depth: 1/2″

Seeds Per Ounce: 4,400

Breed: Open-pollinated

Sun: Full Sun

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sow Method: Transplant

Plant Spacing: 18-24″

Categories: Flowers

Days To Maturity (# Days): 365

Growing Instructions

Learning Download:How to Grow Liatris

Liatris is a perennial that can reach up to 5 feet tall and typically bloom with purple flowers that attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to the garden. It originates from the United States.

Before Planting:Add compost or fertilizer to the garden prior to planting.

Planting:Sow seeds outdoors in the fall eight weeks before the first frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.

Watering:Begin watering once spring arrives and water at the base of the plant.

Fertilizer:After the winter season and during Liatris first year f growth, use a balanced liquid fertilizer in the spring and in the summer.

Days to Maturity:Flowers will bloom in the second season.

Harvesting:To harvest as a cut flower, cut the Liatris when half of its blooms have already opened.

Tips:Liatris may need to be divided every few years to better its growth. Divisions should be made in the fall after the plants die back.