A member of the Aster family, Liatris bears the lovely names of Gayfeather or Blazing Star. Perhaps they are earned because of the multitude of tiny blooms which send out tendril-like fluff from the 30 to 90cm (1 to 3ft) spikes in late summer. The white, pink or purplish Liatris flowers open from the top downwards, creating the effect of a burning torch or shining star at the end of a long pole studded with not-yet-open buds. Easy to grow, Liatris will adapt to most locations and doesn’t take up much space. Plant your Liatris corms in soil with good drainage and where it gets full sun exposure. It may need staking because of its height.