LIATRIS (Blazing Star, Gayfeather) Zone 3
The flower spikes of liatris are unique in blooming from the top down. They are prized cut flowers. The tall stems have narrow leaves. Excellent choice for a border or informal garden in full sun and moist soil. Adds a strong vertical element to the garden.
Kobold Long lasting spikes of rosy lavender flowers. Rose-lavender Green July-Sept 18-24” high 12” spread Liatris spicata 'Kobold' is a clumping perennial that produces multiple green rigid leafy stems. The upright stalks originate from rounded woody underground corms. Foliage is long, narrow and grass-like. The largest basal leaves are less than 1/2” wide and about 5” long.
Prairie Liatris Liatris pycnostachya Plants produce several stiff, upward arching stems, each of which carries a large, crowded display of showy pink-purple flowers in summer that are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Prefers full sun and moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates some drought after establishing.