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Herbaceous Perennial

Liatris elegans

elegant gayfeather

A variable perennial up to 1.2m tall though often shorter. The very narrow leaves form a basal clump and clothe the lower part of the flowering stems which are topped by narrow spires of small, tubular, pale pink to pinky purple flowers

Other common names
elegant blazing star
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Liatris are herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers which open from the top down

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Deadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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