Blazing Star (Liatris) is a huge favorite among gardeners, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it incredibly low-maintenance and unfussy, but those striking summer blooms are real showstoppers. If you’re looking to add some to your yard, the most important thing to get right is picking the perfect spot.
Ways to Grow Blazing Star
The Blazing Star is a “set it and forget it” kind of plant that doesn’t ask for much. When it’s in full bloom, it completely transforms the look of your garden. You’ve got a couple of great options for growing it:
- As a perennial in your garden beds.
- In pots or window boxes to brighten up your balcony or patio.
In the Garden
When planted directly in the ground, Blazing Star looks amazing in perennial borders, cottage gardens, or tucked against stone walls and house foundations. Since it’s a perennial, you get to enjoy that pop of color year after year.
In Containers
If you’re growing these in pots or balcony boxes, make sure you choose a container that’s big enough. The root ball needs plenty of room to stretch out and grow. Every few years, it’s a good idea to repot them with fresh soil to keep them happy.
The Perfect Spot for Your Blazing Star
Blazing Star thrives when it’s in a warm, sunny location. If you’re planning on balcony gardening, a south-facing spot with lots of sun is your best bet.
On those scorching, dry summer days, make sure to give your plants a regular drink so the roots don’t dry out completely. In garden beds, a nice layer of mulch—like compost, brush, or leaves—is a game changer. It helps hold in moisture and provides a steady stream of nutrients to the soil.
Starting Your Own Plants
If you want to try growing them from seed, aim to sow them in the spring, around late April or early May. If you’ve started seedlings indoors, wait until the weather consistently warms up before moving them outside. These little guys haven’t developed their full hardiness yet and can easily be taken out by a late spring frost.
Transplanting
If your Blazing Stars have started spreading on their own, you can dig up the new babies and move them wherever you like. Just be extra careful with those young, delicate roots so they can settle into their new home without a hitch.
Dividing and Propagating
Blazing Stars grow from rhizomes that multiply every year, so it’s a good idea to divide them regularly. This “rejuvenation” keeps the mother plant energetic and healthy. Once you’ve divided the rhizomes, just pop them into their own new spots and watch them take off!
