Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata

Liatris spicata. A stunning hardy perennial delivering excellent displays of showy tall plumes of fluffy purple flowers in summer. The foliage is attractive with narrow, grassy leaves reaching up to 3 ft.

Cultivation Advice Liatris spicata

• The seed is best stratified prior to sowing unless sown directly outside in early winter.
• (This breaks the seeds dormancy)
• A period of 4-6 weeks in a standard fridge prior is sufficient.
• In addition nicking the seed case prior to sowing helps promote germination.
• If sown in trays, start from mid-winter onwards sowing on well-drained soil based medium at 4-5mm depth.
• Maximum germination is achieve by providing distinct fluctuations in temperature (55 to 70F)
• simulating day night temperatures outdoors.
• Germination should take 2-3 weeks for pre-stratified seed.
• Plant out in a fully sunny location.
• A nutrient rich soil is best which does not get heavily waterlogged over-winter.