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How to Grow and Care for Gayfeather Plants
Liatris spicata
The Gayfeather, Liatris spicata is an interesting perennial perennial which produces a 1-3 foot tall spike of bright purplish-pink or white flowers in late June to early fall. It is an ideal plant to grow in your butterfly garden.
Liatris is hardy when grown in USDA zones 3-10.
The Gayfeather performs best when it is grown in full sun, but will tolerate a bit of light shade. Liatris does not like soggy soil during the winter months so good drainage is extremely important. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant.
The Liatris will tend to develop mildew if it has insufficient sunlight and air circulation, so be sure to give it plenty of room.
Gayfeather may be started from seeds sown indoors at 65-75 degrees or directly into the garden in early Spring, but they will not bloom until their second year. Germination takes from 20 to 45 days.
Large clumps should be dug and divided in the Spring, every three to four years. The divisions, or other new plants should be set 15 inches apart, in rich, slightly sandy soil.
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