Also known as Blazing Star · 1.2k saves
Liatris
Liatris, the genus most gardeners know as blazing star. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Liatris varieties
Browse all 12 Liatris varieties →
3 species of Liatris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Liatris in Sow
Save the Liatris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Liatris
Whats common across all Liatris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Liatris year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant bare root or containerized plants in spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back old flower stalks and dead foliage before new growth starts
- DivideMarch and September75% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years if flowering decreases
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Water during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots excessively during dividing
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
What goes wrong with Liatris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage, speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Voles/Mice | Plants disappear or wilt suddenly; tunnels may be visible. | Protect corms by planting them in wire mesh cages. Encourage natural predators like owls. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
Making more Liatris
Division
- Divide mature plants in early spring or late fall.
- Replant divisions immediately for best results.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture for 2-3 weeks until germination occurs.
Liatris questions
How many types of Liatris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Liatris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.2k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Liatris grow in?
Across its varieties, Liatris covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Liatris bloom?
Most Liatris varieties bloom in mid-summer, mid to late summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Liatris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.