Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata is the gayfeather or blazing star, a tough prairie perennial with a unique flowering habit: the tall upright spikes open from the top downwards, which is opposite to most flower spikes. Fluffy purple-pink tufted flowers cover the upper half of each spike from midsummer.

Fresh grassy green foliage at the base gives way to stems reaching around 60 to 90cm tall. Butterflies, bees and pollinators work the flowers hard, and they make excellent long-lasting cut flowers.

Plant corms or potted plants in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Very drought-tolerant once established. Cut back stems in autumn, divide corms every few years.

A firm favourite for pollinator borders, prairie-style schemes, cottage gardens, or cutting patches.