Liatris

spicata

ROSY GAYFEATHER

Liatris spicata
ROSY GAYFEATHER

The common name of Rosy Gayfeather probably comes because it does look like an adorable “Cousin It” feather.

Large bottlebrush spires of rose

Impressive and large bottlebrush spires of rose, like fuzzy lances.
Interestingly the flowers open from the top of the spike, down. So the stout spikes really do look like fuzzy spears.

Handy – Blooms during summer & autumn

Liatris spicata continue to unfurl in summer & autumn.
So it is a handy blooming season – when many other things have finished.

Commercially farmed for floristry

It yields excellent cut flowers, and is commercially farmed for the floristry trade.

Quick from seed to flowering plant

And reliably grown from seed to mature bulbs in quick time.
Once planted, these perennial bulbs are best left in the ground. Where they will steadily increase and naturalize beautifully into neat, grassy clumps of foliage.

Hardy, easy to grow & low maintenance

Liatris spicata is a hardy, easily grown & low maintenance plant.
So there is never any need to lift and store these hardy bulbs.
Instead just leave them alone to get on with it.

Fine reed foliage makes good garden contrast

The reed like clump of foliage is a handy garden contrast as well.

Heat resistant

Plant Liatris spicata in Full Sun to Part Shade, where it is resistant to heat.

Frost hardy

And this hardy perennial bulb tolerates frost well.

Water-wise & dry resistant

Liatris spicata is not a thirsty plant, so it is a water-wise choice if water is limited.
Plus it is drought resistant with minimal care.

Easily pleased & easily grown

However soil must be well drained.
Though otherwise Liatris is not a particularly fussy plant and is easily pleased.
It is rarely if ever troubled by pests and diseases.

I believe it gained the common name of “Gayfeather” centuries before the modern use of the term Gay.
And in this case really does mean happy.

75cm. High in interesting flower x 45cm. Wide neat clump of grassy foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Sow indoors at any time, whenever suitable temperatures can be given (15-20°C).
OR
Sow directly in garden late winter-spring.

Sow indoors for early plants & optimum germination: Sow the seeds on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then press the seeds gently into the mix.
Now barely cover with sieved mix, as light helps germination with these seeds.

Now thoroughly moisten the punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Place the moist punnet in a warm, well-lit place (NOT in any direct sunlight – as this will dry the seeds out and prevent germination).

Temperatures of 15-20°C approx. are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.

Continue to keep the punnet consistently moist by misting from a spray water bottle.
Covering the punnet with clear plastic lid or plastic bag will also help to retain necessary consistent moisture.
(Remove cover as soon as sprouting begins)  

Seedlings emerge in 30-40 days approx.

But if the seeds are shy to break dormancy and sprout – then cling wrap the moist punnet & place in fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.

Then remove from fridge, unwrap punnet & return to warm, well-lit place at 15-20°C approx. Continue to keep moist.

Seed Count: 25 seeds per pack.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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