Growing Your Garden: Blazing Star

Type: Perennial

Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Sun: Full (6+ hours)

Soil Moisture: Easily grown in medium soil

How to Grow: Sow this seed in late fall or winter; lightly press into surface of soil or growing mix, don’t cover 

Bloom Time: July-August

From Our Horticulturists: “One of my favorite plants are blazing stars because they are always covered in monarch butterflies and other pollinators. It is a beautiful, vibrant purple color, and its uniquely shaped spike inflorescences stand out in a meadow or formal garden setting. It is drought resistant, a great cut flower, and native to the Northeast!” – Delaney Pitman

“Unlike many flower spikes that open from the bottom up, the fluffy flowers of Liatris spicata spikes open from the top down. Plant this stalwart Northeast native with other hardy, sun-loving nectar sources like coneflowers, goldenrods, milkweed, and fall asters for a complimentary butterfly buffet.” – Jen Dunlap