Texas Blazing Star

Laitris mucronata

Characteristics

Culture

Texas Blazing Star is in the Liatris species which blooms in late summer with an amazing display of tall, lavender-pink flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. This is a group of summer blooming native wildflowers that are easy-to-grow and provide an ample late season nectar supply for butterflies. Liatris are resistant to browsing rabbits.

Blazing Star plants are great in perennial borders, cutting gardens, native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, naturalized areas, prairies or meadows. Interestingly, it flowers from the top down.  During the growing season you may also apply a light application of organic low nitrogen fertilizer on top of the soil. During times of drought, make sure you water Liatris Blazing Star weekly until the soil is completely moist. These perennials stay dormant later in the spring than many plants, so be patient. Leave Texas Blazing Star standing over winter to provide seeds for birds. Prune back any remaining stems from the previous year in mid-spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Liatris mucronata, commonly called narrow-leaved Gayfeather, Bottlebrush, Blazing Star, or Texas blazing Star, is a herbaceous perennial native to glades, bluffs, and other rocky, open habitats in the south-central United States, from Kansas south to Texas. Needs sandy/ gravelly and sandy loam type soils. It will do fine in dry clay, hillsides, raised beds. Texas Blazing Star does best with a course textured mulch of pine needles, crushed pecan shells, small bark chips, as well as gravel when planted in a xeriscape. Only requires deep but infrequent watering after the second growing season. Plant in full, hot sun.  Features terminal 6”- 12” long spikes of deep purple flower heads appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks. One or more stalks arise from a basal tuft of narrow, grass-like, medium green leaves (to 12″ long). Stem leaves gradually decrease in size toward the top. 

Flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other insect pollinators. The seeds are an important food source for birds. The blooms also excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may require staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Mass in perennial borders, native plant gardens, cottage gardens and prairie areas. Good for cut and/or dried flowers.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden