Shaggy blazing star (Liatris pilosa)

Shaggy blazing star

Shaggy blazing star is a perennial herb notable for its slender, grass-like leaves and tall, fluffy, pink to purplish flower spikes that blossom from late summer to fall. Its distinctive flowers attract butterflies and thrive in well-drained soil, often adorning prairies and open woodlands. The plant’s vertical growth pattern and feathery blossoms make it a striking presence in its native habitat.

Scientific classification

Species

Shaggy blazing star (Liatris pilosa)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

30 cm to 91 cm

Plant Height

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Shaggy blazing star

Attributes of Shaggy blazing star

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate, shaggy blazing star develops steadily during the spring and summer seasons. Its increased metabolic activity leads to a balanced proliferation of its foliage and height. The flowering sequence aligns with its growth rhythm, witnessing a peak in summer. Notably, shaggy blazing star's growth speed allows it to avoid premature energy depletion, contributing to a resilient lifecycle.

Quickly Identify Shaggy blazing star

Upright form with slender stems, 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.

Spiky inflorescence with fluffy purple flowers in late summer to fall.

Fruit are small brownish achenes with hair-like pappus, 0.1-0.2 inches (2-5 mm) long.

Lanceolate leaves with hairy margins, progressively smaller towards the top.

Robust, green stem with vertical ridges, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall.

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Care Guide for Shaggy blazing star

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Water 'shaggy blazing star' sparingly during sprouting to prevent soil-borne diseases. Increase watering as growth resumes, ensuring soil remains moist. Reduce watering in winter to avoid soggy conditions that may encourage disease during dormancy.

Fertilize: The shaggy blazing star thrives in healthy soil without the need for fertilizer. If growth is slow in spring, a light application of all-purpose or slow-release fertilizer can be beneficial. In rich soils, fertilization is usually unnecessary.

Pruning: Shaggy blazing star features tall, spiky flowers and hairy stems. Prune in early spring by cutting last year's growth to ground level to boost growth and blooms. Regular pruning fosters air circulation and minimizes disease risk. Use clean, sharp tools for effective and safe pruning.

Propagation: Shaggy blazing star propagates easily through division in spring, when leaves emerge. Cut back foliage to 10-15 cm before digging. Ensure each new bulb has at least one eye. Dividing prevents overcrowding, though growing from seed is possible, it establishes slowly.

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