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Herbaceous Perennial

Liatris aspera
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

An herbaceous perennial with rough stems to a height of 2m with a strong growing, drought tolerant rosette of hairy green leaves. The stems carry small, narrow leaves and towards the tops, spikes of blooms up to 45cm long, made up of clusters of small purple flowers. Flowers in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Loam
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in well-drained soil in full sun. May need staking in windier positions. Dislikes winter wet. See staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate from seed in autumn or by division in early spring

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

Cut back at the end of the season to ground level

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust and a leaf spot

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