- Botanical name: Liatris spicata
- Common name: Gayfeather
- Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Perennial
Purple
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Flowers
Gayfeather, Liatris spicata, is an exotic perennial bearing long-lasting spikes of deep magenta bottle-brush flowers in contrast with strappy green leaves. It’s perfect for adding late-summer colour to an herbaceous border, and makes an excellent cut flower. It’s extremely attractive to bees and butterflies.
For best results grow Liatris spicata in well-drained soil in full sun. Propagate by division in spring.
How to grow Liatris spicata
-
Plant size
1.5m height
45cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do Divide in March |
A
Do Divide in April |
M
Do not Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do not Divide in September |
O
Do not Divide in October |
N
Do not Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
Liatris spicata and wildlife
Liatris spicata is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Attractive to Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Liatris spicata poisonous?
Liatris spicata has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Liatris spicata
