A mature Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Mass planting · Meadow · Naturalized · Patio · Pond · Small space · Butterfly

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata · Perennial

Blazing Star is a moderate-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-8, that matures to about 2–4 ft × 10–18 in. It does best in full sun with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect pink, purple and white blooms in summer. It attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, stands up well to heat, humidity and poor soil and grows happily in containers.

USDA zones: 3-8
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Mature size: 2–4 ft × 10–18 in
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: Pink, Purple, White
Bloom season: Summer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Moths, Songbirds
Tough against: Heat, Humidity, Poor soil
Native to: Eastern United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Blazing Star’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8