Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
Out of season
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.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Liatris spicata
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Corm size
- 12/+
- Established height
- 50cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 60 corms per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Stony - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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Liatris spicata reviews
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