Dense blazing-star versus slender blazing-star
Look to Blazing Stars for reliable clumping spikes of mauve flowers to adorn your sun-soaked meadow garden, borders or entryway. A top pollinator plant, Blazing Stars support a variety of bees, butterflies and even attract hummingbirds.
Two Blazing Stars are recommended for local gardens: Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) which does well in most soils, and Slender Blazing Star (Liatris cylindracea) which prefers sandier soils.
Dense Blazing Star is rare in the wild so ensure you purchase yours from a reputable nursery. Each year it forms spikes about one meter tall with the top covered in soft, feathery blooms. It will tolerate some heat and humidity, but may need water during drought, or risk losing some of its lower grass-like leaves.
If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant plant for sandier soils try Slender Blazing-star. This shorter cousin grows just 20 to 45 cm tall and fewer but larger flower tufts stand off the stem like small exploding fireworks.
Avoid planting in low-lying areas where plants may get waterlogged over winter and not survive. Plant in fall or spring, 30 to 40 cm apart and water immediately.
While in bloom cut a few stems to enjoy indoors. Be sure to divide clumps in the fall every few years, or as needed, and then welcome new blooms for many years.