title: Planting Blazing Stars (Liatris)
The Blazing Star—or *Liatris*, as you might know it—is a total fan favorite in the gardening world. It’s not just because it’s incredibly low-maintenance and hardy; it’s also because those striking, fuzzy flower spikes look absolutely stunning in the summer sun. 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 Stars
One of the best things about the Blazing Star is how versatile it is. It’s a tough, easy-going perennial that looks great just about anywhere. You can grow it:
- As a reliable perennial in your garden beds.
- In pots or window boxes to brighten up your balcony or patio.
In the Garden
When planted in the ground, Blazing Stars are perfect for perennial borders, cottage gardens, or even tucked along stone walls and the side of the house. Since they’re perennials, they’ll come back year after year to put on a show.
In Containers
If you’re growing them in pots or balcony boxes, make sure you choose a container that’s big enough. You want to give the entire root ball 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.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Blazing Stars are sun-worshippers! They thrive best in a warm, sunny location. If you’re growing them on a balcony, a south-facing spot is your best bet.
On those scorching, dry summer days, make sure to give them a regular drink so the roots don’t completely dry out. 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.
Planting Your Own Seedlings
If you’re starting from scratch with seeds, aim to sow them in the spring, around late April or early May. If you’ve already started seedlings indoors, wait until the weather consistently warms up before moving them outside. These little guys haven’t built up their winter 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 easily dig up the new babies and move them to a different spot. 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 smart move to divide them regularly. This “rejuvenation” helps the mother plant keep its energy and vitality up. Once you’ve divided the rhizomes, just plant them in their own separate spots and watch them take off!
