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Herbaceous Perennial

Liatris spicata 'Kobold'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

button snakewort 'Kobold'

A compact clump-forming perennial with narrow, grass-like foliage and erect spikes of deep purple flowers, which open from the top downwards, in late summer and early autumn

Synonyms
Liatris spicata 'Goblin'
Liatris spicata Goblin
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants may rot over-winter if grown in heavy soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn: divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead as flowering is completed

Pests

Susceptible to slugs, snails and mice

Diseases

Occasional problems with rust diseases or leaf spot

Get involved

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