Liatris spicata , the dense blazing star or prairie gay feather , isan herbaceous perennial plant native throughout most of eastern North America 

It is commonly grown in gardens for its showy purple flowers (pink or white in some cultivars). All spikes of purple flowers appear in July and August. Native to moist prairies and sedge meadows. It thrives in full sun in ordinary garden soil. Excellent for attracting birds and butterflies. 

Seeds are easiest sown in the autumn as they require cold to germinate.  

Spring sown seeds should first be nicked with a knife to scarify, and stratified at 40°F (4°C) for about six to ten weeks before sowing.  

Simply cover seeds once sown. It usually takes three to four weeks to germinate. Space at about 12 to 18 (30–45 cm). It usually takes a couple of years for plant to fill out to their full spread. 

Plants should be located in a sunny part of the garden that has a moist well-drained soil. They do not tolerate standing water or soggy soils. Good drainage is essential for surviving the winter. The soil can be light to average, but will perform best in a fertile slightly acidic soil. 

Although Liatris thrive in a moist soil, they are fairly drought-tolerant (though may develop droopiness). Supply an adequate amount of water to keep soil moist, but do not soak Blazing Star plants. 

Stake plants to prevent stem breakage: smaller cultivars such as Liatris spicata Kobold and the white flowered Floristan Weiss do not require staking. 

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Depth: 1/8" 

Sprout Time: Erratic 

Starting Indoors: Sow in pots and keep at 35-40°F for 2 months, then keep at 65°F. 

Starting Outdoors: Direct sow in early spring or fall into a finely-prepared nursery bed, transplanting the following year. 

When to Set Outside: In spring 

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION 

The native blazing star attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden.  

Gayfeather germinates erratically, making it a candidate for winter sowing when moist stratification can occur over time with little input. Like many perennials, they take several years to mature and flower abundantly. To promote rebloom, cut back by one-half after flowering. Knobby corms develop, and offsets can be separated to create showy stands of flowers in rain gardens and meadow plantings.