Liatris 'Kobold Original' Bulbs
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, butterfly-friendly summer color.
Discover the compact beauty of Liatris 'Kobold Original' bulbs, a splendid cultivar of the native Liatris spicata. This variety maintains the wildflower's butterfly-attracting nature but in a more manageable, flower-intense form, growing to about 14 inches high. Its long, flower-packed stems open from the top down, providing many weeks of rosy lavender blooms throughout mid- to late summer. Ideal for sunny borders, wildflower groupings, and meadow gardens, 'Kobold Original' is exceptionally carefree. It thrives even in poor or dry soils, provided there is good drainage and ample sunshine. These blooms are excellent as cut flowers and are naturally resistant to deer.
$13.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-41%
Below average
SKU
483745
/ -PK-
Who it's for
- Beginner gardeners seeking reliable, low-maintenance vertical interest
- Floral designers wanting long-lasting, structural cut flowers
- Eco-conscious gardeners managing dry, pollinator-friendly landscapes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners working with heavy, poorly draining clay soils
- Homeowners dealing with active vole or gopher populations
- Gardeners with limited sunlight or overly fertile soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for butterflies throughout the mid-to-late summer season.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives in poor soil with minimal intervention from the gardener.
Deer Resistance
Naturally deters local wildlife, keeping your garden borders intact.
Bloom Duration
Top-down flowering pattern ensures a long-lasting display of rosy lavender.
Adaptability
Hardy across a wide range of zones from three through nine.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy, flower-packed stems make for excellent additions to indoor floral arrangements.
Key Specs
SKU
48374-PK-5
Item Form
Bulb
Pack Size
5 Bulbs
Mature Height
14 in
Mature Width
10 in
Hardiness Zones
3 - 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Moisture Requirements
Dry, Moist, well-drained
Features
- Compact form, growing only 14 inches high
- Blooms open from the top down, extending color duration
- Attracts butterflies during its long bloom season
- Excellent as cut flowers
- Deer resistant
- Tolerates poor or dry soils with good drainage
- Blooms in the first year
- Long bloomers
- Repeat Bloomer
- Easy Care Plants
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Liatris 'Kobold Original' bulbs. Reviews highlight the impressive germination rates and the ease with which these plants establish themselves, even for novice gardeners. The resulting dense, vibrant purple spikes provide reliable vertical interest year after year, exceeding expectations for garden performance. This dependable growth cycle confirms the strong value proposition, making them a highly recommended perennial choice.
Know before you buy
This cultivar is specifically bred for its compact habit, reaching a mature height of approximately 14 inches. This makes it an excellent choice for the front of a border where taller varieties might be too imposing.
Yes, you can expect blooms in the first year after planting. They are reliable performers that establish quickly in sunny garden spots.
Liatris 'Kobold Original' is naturally resistant to deer, making it a safer choice for gardens that frequently deal with browsing wildlife.
These plants are quite adaptable and will tolerate poor or dry soils. The most important requirement is that the soil must have excellent drainage, as they do not like to sit in waterlogged ground.
Because the blooms open gradually from the top of the stem downward, the flowering period is significantly extended. They provide color throughout mid- to late summer and are known for being long-lasting in both the garden and as cut flowers.
While they are ideal for borders and meadow gardens, their compact 14-inch size makes them well-suited for containers as long as the pot provides good drainage and receives plenty of sunlight.
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$14