General Description/History

Liatris is a most unusual flower as it is a spike that opens from the top down, all the others open from the bottom up. It is a native of the American prairie and flowers in late summer with a tuft of bright purple to purple-pink flowers that gradually extend down the spike. White and blue forms can also be found.

These flowers are popular for their unusual conical shape and the pink/purple colour is quite uncommon. As perrenials they are grown in the field and are only available over the summer months. Typically they are grown close to the major cities of Melbourne and Sydney, limited supplies can be found in winter grown in Queensland.

What to look for

• Top buds have just opened;
• Straight stems.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem.
3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately.
4. Preservative is essential as Liatris foul vase water quickly.
5. Replace water every day.

Botanical Name: Liatris spicata

Common Names: Blazing Star, Gayfeather, Liatris

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: USA

Available Colours: Blue, Pink, Purple, White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber