• View
• Edit
• History
• Print

Liatris

Common Name: Gayfeather

Overview

Cultivars

Grasslike leaves form a basal clump; turns an attractive bronze color in Fall.

Rich soils could cause floppy stalks that need staking.

Ongoing Management

Fertilization

Rich soils could cause floppy stalks that need staking. In decent soils, no feeding is required.

Watering

Only water during the hottest months; water @ the base of the plant.

Pruning / Cutting Back

Deadheading - may encourage blooms, but do not deadhead if you want the plants to reseed. If deadheading, cut flower stalks off near ground level or leave in place over Winter to benefit Winter-feeding birds.

Spring - Clean away soggy garden debris before new growth begins.

Do not mulch over Winter; to avoid wet Winter soil.

Propagation

Collect seeds in the fall after the flower stalks have dried and turned brown. Cut the dried stalks and run your hand along them to easily dislodge the tiny seeds. Store the seeds in a sealed container, such as a bag or Tupperware, and refrigerate to maintain viability for up to a year. Avoid long-term storage as seed viability declines each year. Liatris seeds benefit from cold stratification (moist, cold treatment) before sowing to enhance germination.

More Information

Web Sites

• Gardenia.net
  • Gardenia.net - Kobold
  • Liatris Puncata