Liatris spicata 'Gayfeather Pink'
Liatris spicata 'Gayfeather Pink'
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300 Seeds
Seeding Liatris spicata 'Gayfeather Pink' (also known as Blazing Star or Button Snakeroot) is a great way to add vertical spikes of soft pink, feathery flowers to your garden. Native to North America, this long-lived perennial is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and is well-suited to prairie gardens, pollinator borders, and cut flower beds.
While Liatris is often grown from corms, growing from seed is entirely possible—just a bit slower. Patience pays off with hardy, floriferous plants that return reliably year after year.
🌸 Liatris spicata 'Gayfeather Pink' – Seeding Guide
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardy perennial (zones 3–9) |
| Height | 60–90 cm (24–36 in) |
| Bloom Time | Mid- to late summer (July–September) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or loamy |
| Water | Moderate to low (drought-tolerant once established) |
| Pollinators | Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
| Best Use | Borders, native gardens, meadow plantings, cut flowers |
🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions
1. When to Sow
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Fall (Best): Direct sow in autumn for natural cold stratification
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Spring (Alternate): Start indoors with cold stratification
2. Cold Stratification (Important)
To simulate winter and improve germination:
Option 1: Natural Stratification
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Sow outdoors in fall
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Seeds will overwinter naturally and sprout in spring
Option 2: Artificial Stratification (for spring sowing)
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Place seeds in moist vermiculite or a paper towel in a sealed bag
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Refrigerate for 4–6 weeks (2°C to 5°C / 36°F to 41°F)
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Then sow indoors or directly outside
3. Indoor Sowing (After Stratification)
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Containers | Use deep cell trays or pots (taprooted plant) |
| Soil | Light, well-draining seed-starting mix |
| Sowing Depth | 3–5 mm (⅛–¼ in) |
| Temperature | 18–21°C (65–70°F) |
| Germination Time | 14–30 days |
| Light | Bright light or full sun after sprouting |
4. After Germination
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Keep soil slightly moist (not soggy)
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Transplant when seedlings are strong and ground is warm
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Handle gently—Liatris forms a deep taproot early
5. Transplanting Outdoors
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Timing: After last frost and hardening off
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Spacing: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart
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Site: Full sun, well-drained soil
☀️ Growing Conditions
| Factor | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun (minimum 6 hrs/day) |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or loamy |
| Water | Moderate to low; drought-tolerant |
| Fertilizer | Not needed in average soil |
✂️ Care Tips
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Deadhead to extend bloom (or leave seedheads for birds/winter interest)
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Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor
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Excellent for cut flowers—long-lasting in the vase
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Grows best when undisturbed (don’t move it often)
🐝 Bonus Benefits
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Top pollinator plant
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Deer-resistant
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Excellent vertical accent for naturalistic or formal plantings
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Pairs well with echinacea, rudbeckia, grasses, salvias, and bee balm
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