Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata is a striking, upright perennial that brings clarity and rhythm to the late-summer garden. Commonly known as button snakewort, it forms tidy clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage from which tall, slender flower spikes rise to between 50cm and 1m. From late summer into early autumn, Liatris spicata produces dense spires of purplish-pink flowers, creating a strong vertical accent that weaves beautifully through borders and prairie-style plantings. The blooms of Liatris spicata open in a delightfully unconventional manner, starting at the top of the spike and progressing downwards, giving the plant a sense of movement and gentle animation.

Elegant yet robust, Liatris spicata is particularly effective when planted in drifts, where its upright habit contrasts effortlessly with looser, billowing perennials and ornamental grasses. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it is drought tolerant once established and refreshingly low maintenance. As well as its architectural appeal, Liatris spicata is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, adding valuable wildlife interest at a time of year when nectar sources are especially important. Whether used to punctuate a mixed border or to reinforce the vertical structure of a naturalistic scheme, Liatris spicata delivers dependable performance, late-season colour, and a quietly confident presence that returns reliably year after year.