A gorgeous showstopper and one of my personal favorites, Meadow Blazing Star is a fabulous, well-behaved addition to the native wildflower garden.
Growth Requirements
Liatris ligulistylis is a pretty forgiving plant once it’s growing, tolerating poor soils and a variety of moisture levels. It grows best in full to part sun. When fully grown, it’s about 12-24 inches high here, but I’ve seen reports of plants growing up to five feet tall in other regions!
I’ll be honest, only about half of the Liatris ligustylis plugs I planted survived. That could be due to my inexperience OR the fact that they were extremely tiny and fragile when I received them (note: be sure the plugs you purchase are sturdy and a decent size. If you’re located in Alberta, I recommend Wild About Flowers for very reliable and hardy plants).
However, after two years they’re putting on a beautiful display and I couldn’t be happier! I recommend planting large swaths (ie. 7-12+ plugs in a “group”) for the greatest impact. Mine are in smaller groups of 3-5 but I wish I had planted more together!
Blooms
Blooming from July to August, showy Meadow Blazing Star adds a vibrant, long-lasting splash of color to the native wildflower garden. The stunning purple-pink flowers are gorgeous and interesting. Blooms burst from individual buds, opening first at the top of the stem and working their way down.
Insects and Wildlife
Called “Monarch Magnet” by some, Liatris ligulistylis is adored by bees, birds, and butterflies alike.
Goldfinches eat the seed. Rabbits and deer will apparently nibble the foliage but I haven’t had any issues here.
Plant With…
Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) or other yellow flowers of a similar shape (Ratibida columnifera, Rudbeckia triloba)
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) as groundcover
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
In Conclusion
I love Liatris ligulistylis and believe you will too! Plant some plugs in your native wildflower garden, take tender care of them for the first year or two, and then you’ll have these showstopping beauties to enjoy!
Happy Gardening!
