Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)

Rough blazing star

Also known as: Lacerate, Gayfeather, Rough Liatris , Tall blazing star, Tall gayfeather

Rough blazing star is a pollinator paradise. Its late-season purple-tufted blooms attract monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. This perennial thrives in dry soils, making it a great choice for rock gardens. It has short, stiff hairs on its stem, giving rise to both its common and Latin names, as "aspera" is Latin for "rough."

Scientific classification

Species

Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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30 cm to 1.8 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper, Silver, Gray

Fruit Color

Purple, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Red, Burgundy

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Rough blazing star

Quickly Identify Rough blazing star

Vibrant purple flowers in fluffy disc-shaped clusters along stems.

Narrow lance-shaped leaves, up to 12 inches long with pubescent texture.

Dry achenes with large tufts of stiff, greyish-brown hairs for wind dispersal.

Erect stem with green to dark red color and slight roughness from hairs.

Late-summer blooming reaching heights of 2-4 feet, attracting pollinators.

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Care Guide for Rough blazing star

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Rough blazing star, native to prairies and open woodlands, thrives in well-drained soils with periodic moisture. It exhibits drought tolerance and prefers weekly watering. Overwatering can harm rough blazing star. Typically grown outdoors, it flourishes with hydration aligned to the growing season while allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Fertilize: Rough blazing star thrives with balanced and high-phosphorus fertilizers for growth and blooming. Fertilize annually in early spring, following label instructions, and use increased phosphorus during the vegetative stage. Reduce fertilization in late summer and wear protective gear, watering rough blazing star post-application for effective nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Rough blazing star produces tall, spiky flowers and benefits from early to late spring pruning. Trim dead stems and spent flower stalks to promote health and tidiness, while avoiding over-pruning to reduce stress. Proper pruning enhances airflow, reduces pests, and supports vigorous blooming.

Propagation: Successful cultivation of rough blazing star involves sowing seeds in well-draining soil with adequate spacing. Cover seeds lightly for proper contact and maintain consistent moisture without over-watering. Rough blazing star flourishes in sunny locations, promoting vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.

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