Liatris 'Lavender Glowsticks'

Liatris 'Lavender Glowsticks' is a charming dwarf cultivar of the native blazing star that brings vertical interest and pollinator appeal to the garden in a more compact package than traditional Liatris varieties. This perennial features the signature bottlebrush-like flower spikes of the genus but in a shorter, more manageable form perfect for front-of-border plantings and container gardens.

The flowers emerge in mid to late summer, opening from the top down (unlike most spike flowers) in a unique display of fluffy, lavender-purple blooms that seem to glow in the landscape, hence the cultivar name. The flower spikes rise above narrow, grass-like foliage that forms neat clumps at the base. Growing to approximately 12-18 inches tall, this compact selection makes Liatris accessible for smaller gardens and mixed borders where the species types might be too tall.

'Lavender Glowsticks' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showing good tolerance for heat, humidity, and drought once established. It's remarkably low-maintenance, requiring little more than occasional deadheading to keep it looking tidy, though the seed heads can be left for winter interest and to feed birds. The plant grows from corms and naturalizes gently over time without becoming invasive.

This cultivar is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. It also works beautifully in prairie-style plantings, cottage gardens, or as a cut flower with good vase life. The vertical form provides wonderful contrast when paired with mounding perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or ornamental grasses. Deer tend to leave Liatris alone, adding to its garden-worthy qualities.

Photo Credit: Walters Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Liatris 'Lavender Glowsticks'

Tall garden phlox as a plant takes and average amount of care. It grows well when planted in a mulched bed with good well-drained soil and benefits from deadheading. Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with fertilizing every other month and consistant moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.