Savanna Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa)
Best vibrant vertical interest for low maintenance pollinator gardens.
Savanna Blazing Star, or Liatris scariosa, is a North American native perennial celebrated for its ease of growth and striking appearance. This plant thrives in drier, rocky, or sandy well-drained soils, making it a resilient choice for challenging garden spots. From August to October, it produces stunning, fluffy purple to rosy purple blooms that are a magnet for late-season butterflies and hummingbirds. The upright stems, reaching 3 to 5 feet tall, are adorned with narrow green leaves and topped with spikey inflorescences bearing shaggy, thistle-like flowers. Its unique form and vibrant color make it a standout in any garden, promising visual interest throughout the late summer and fall.
$34.97
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+27%
Above average
Plant Type
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners aiming to support local ecosystems and attract diverse wildlife.
- Busy homeowners seeking vibrant, long-lasting color without extensive care.
- Individuals in dry climates or areas with deer browsing pressure.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with poorly draining or consistently moist soil.
- Homeowners with predominantly shady garden areas.
- Those with compact gardens or who prefer shorter, self-supporting plants.
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A late-season powerhouse that draws butterflies and hummingbirds in droves.
Environmental Resilience
Handles extreme heat, drought, and cold with remarkable, low-maintenance ease.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, keeping your garden beds intact.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in diverse soil types provided drainage remains consistent.
Visual Impact
Striking vertical spikes provide dramatic color during the late summer lull.
Maintenance Ease
A true set-it-and-forget-it perennial for busy or novice gardeners.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Perennial
Height at Maturity
3-5’
Width at Maturity
18-24"
Spacing
18" for groupings or mass plantings; 42" for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form
Upright, Vertical, Clump
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Flower Color
Purple, Lavender, or Pink shades
Flower Size
12-18" Spikes
Features
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Drought and heat tolerant
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance requirements
- Thrives in full sun
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Native North American plant
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with the Savanna Blazing Star. Many reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the plants received, noting their robust health and vigorous growth right out of the box. Gardeners frequently praise how easily these Liatris scariosa establish and thrive, even in various soil conditions, making them a reliable choice. The beautiful, vibrant blooms are a consistent delight, attracting pollinators and adding stunning vertical interest to gardens. This plant is celebrated for its hardiness and dependable performance, proving to be a rewarding addition for many.
Know before you buy
While it is adaptable to many soil types, it requires good drainage. If you have heavy clay, amend the soil with organic matter or plant it on a slight mound to ensure the roots do not sit in standing water.
For a dense, naturalized look, space your plants 18 inches apart. If you prefer more airflow or want to leave room for other perennials, you can space them up to 42 inches apart.
Yes, Liatris scariosa is generally avoided by deer and rabbits. While no plant is 100% immune if local wildlife is extremely hungry, this variety is a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Generally, no. The Savanna Blazing Star has a sturdy, upright growth habit and typically holds its 3-to-5-foot stems well on its own when planted in full sun.
Spring or early fall are the best times to plant. This allows the root system to establish itself during milder temperatures before the heat of summer or the deep freeze of winter.
You may see some blooms in the first year, but it typically reaches its full flowering potential by the second season once the root system is fully established.
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$35