Liatris Spicata Violet

Plant Liatris corms in spring, once the risk of hard frost has passed, for flowers in summer. Choose a sunny position and plant them in light, free-draining soil.

Liatris, also known as blazing star, needs full sun to flower well. It grows best in soil that stays lightly moist during the growing season but drains freely, especially in winter.

Slow or poor growth is often caused by shade, heavy wet soil or corms that have not yet established. Liatris needs plenty of sun and may take a season to settle. Avoid winter waterlogging, which can cause the corms to rot.

This is a normal feature of Liatris flower spikes. Unlike many flowering plants, the small flowers open first at the top of the spike and gradually work their way downwards.

Yes. Liatris is a hardy perennial that returns each year from its corms. Deadhead faded flowers to keep the plant tidy, cut old stems down in winter and divide established clumps every 3 to 4 years if they become crowded.