Liatris spicata 'Kobold' (Blazing Star)

This drought-tolerant U.S. native perennial is a true butterfly magnet! Its multiple spikes of bright, lavender-rose-colored flowers bloom from early to late summer. Unlike many flowers, Liatris start their bloom at the top of the spike and open up gradually to the bottom.

The blooms top 18-30 in. tall, strong, erect stems and the tufted plants have clumps of stems, so the plants resemble towers of lavender-pink. Leaves are small and grass-like and are slow to emerge in the spring (so beware of mistaking them for clumps of grass). This structure makes them super at the edges of ponds to pair with ornamental grasses or rushes.

Liatris is a low-maintenance plant; it needs sun but otherwise will grow in almost any soil - even clay! - as long as it isn't water-logged.

Pairs nicely with Daylily - the contrasting shapes add interest, and both are clay busters (and tolerant of all conditions). Cutting back flowering spikes by half after flowering will promote rebloom. All pollinators appreciate Liatris and the seedheads can be left on to provide winter bird food. Deer and rabbit resistant.