High Country Gardens
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris)
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners wanting to attract late-season pollinators.
The Meadow Blazing Star (*Liatris ligulistylus*) is a striking native wildflower that brings vibrant color to late summer and fall gardens. This robust perennial grows upright to about 36 inches, producing eye-catching lavender-purple flower spikes that are a magnet for butterflies and bees. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil, making it an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance addition to any landscape. Known for its naturalizing ability and resistance to rabbits, this plant offers a beautiful, reliable display and provides essential late-season nectar.
$15.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Mature Height
36
/ inches
Who it's for
- Pollinator gardeners supporting local butterfly and bee populations
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping
- Landscape designers seeking architectural height for perennial borders
Who should skip it
- Aesthetic purists prioritizing lush foliage throughout the entire season
- Gardeners managing heavy clay or poorly draining soil
- Impatient growers looking for immediate, full-sized garden impact
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Impact
A premier nectar source that draws butterflies and bees consistently.
Maintenance Effort
Requires minimal intervention once established in the proper soil conditions.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters rabbits and deer, protecting your garden investment.
Naturalizing Potential
Spreads effectively to create a lush, self-sustaining meadow aesthetic.
Visual Impact
Striking vertical spikes provide bold color during the late-season lull.
Hardiness Range
Versatile across zones 4-8, though requires well-draining soil to thrive.
Key Specs
Mature Height
36 inches
Mature Spread
15 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-8
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Fragrance Level
No Fragrance
Features
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators.
- Rabbit resistant for garden protection.
- Easy-to-grow native wildflower.
- Provides late-season garden color.
- Naturalizes well in garden settings.
- Suitable for cut flower arrangements.
- Low maintenance requirements.
- Dormant plants ship early.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Meadow Blazing Star bulbs received from High Country Gardens. The primary insight is the plant's remarkable ease of establishment, often thriving even in less than ideal garden conditions. Gardeners report vigorous growth, vibrant purple spikes, and a strong attraction to pollinators, making it a highly valued addition. This low maintenance perennial delivers significant visual impact and ecological benefit, confirming its status as a dependable garden staple.
Know before you buy
The Meadow Blazing Star is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. As a perennial, it is designed to go dormant in winter and return reliably each spring within this range.
Since this variety has a mature spread of about 15 inches, you should space them at least 15 to 18 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for the upright spikes to develop.
Yes, this Liatris is considered rabbit and deer resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, its taste and texture are generally unappealing to them.
Absolutely. The tall, sturdy flower spikes make excellent cut flowers and hold up well in vases, providing a vibrant lavender-purple accent for your home.
This plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil. It is important to avoid planting it in areas that stay soggy or hold standing water, as good drainage is essential for its health.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. If you have curious cats or dogs that tend to chew on garden plants, you may want to place this Liatris in a protected area of your landscape.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$16