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July 12, 2005
Drought-Tolerant Beauty
Liatris Spicata
Things I didn't know about Liatris:
1) Most of us know Liatris via the cut-flower industry. It is yet another North American wildflower that Europeans have selected, hybridized, grown in large scale, and exported back to us for mass consumption...
Like the sunflower!
2) The genus Liatris belongs to the Asteraceae, or aster family...
It certainly doesn't look like the standard daisy-flowered Asteraceae!
3) One of the reasons gayfeathers are such popular cut flowers is their unusual mode of blooming. Unlike most plants with a similar inflorescence, they bloom from the top of their flower spikes downward. You can actually cut a good portion off the top of the spike (again about a third) to bring indoors, and the remaining flower heads will continue to open and add color to the garden.
This trait also means they'll continue blooming most of the summer.
Things I did know about Liatris:
1) Besides getting a visual boost, your garden will also hum delightfully from the various insect pollinators that come to feed on Liatris flowers. Butterflies are particularly attracted to the nectar-rich blossoms. Birds will also pay a visit as they relish the fall-ripening seeds.
The honeybees have returned, by the score.
2) Drought tolerance is an especially desirable trait that Liatris species offer. Their water-retentive corms allow them to persist in lean, dry times. And cultivation is very straightforward. Most gayfeathers prefer full sun and well-drained soil of moderate to lean fertility. The majority of the species listed below are hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 9. I have never encountered any insect or disease problems. In fact, I can't think of a reason not to grow these plants!
Takes a San Fernando beating, blooms all summer, never needs fussing over, great plant!
Posted by Sue at July 12, 2005 01:01 AM
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