Every gardener occasionally longs for something different to grow in their gardens. Liatris satisfies this desire beautifully for its fluffy spikes of tiny blooms are crammed intricately into compact clusters of magenta making it a unique vibrant show stopper. Along with providing an energetic vertical accent to the garden, Liatris thrives in the dry alkaline, rocky, gravelly soils in the Rocky Mountains.
“Kobold” a hybrid Perennial, still retains its Native, status as a hardy, wildlife resistant, Perennial. It is grown from corms so is priced, like other small bulbs, very reasonably and shipping is minimal. Plant Liatris corms in mass so its lovely long narrow leaves form a classy colony. The clump planting of Liatris saves the plant from being mistakenly weeded out in spring for when it first breaks dormancy the new starts resemble grass. Liatris spikes will not topple and retain their good looks all season. Over time, if planted in a hot dry spot, the Liatris corms will multiply, creating a larger, fuller planting. Pollinators, especially butterflies flock to the “Kobold” blooms but deer avoid it.
Caption: Liatris is a long-blooming Perennial that is a very popular plant for the florist trade. The vase life for “Kobold” lasts and lasts and it dries nicely for ever-blooming arrangements.
Liatris has many uncommon qualities. For example, the terminal flowers bloom generously from the top down. Most spikes bloom from the bottom up so the twelve to fifteen-inch spike florets of “Kobold” are unique in this way. Liatris is an easy-care Perennial meaning you can just plant it and leave never worry again. It is totally self-sustaining unless the soil is wet and does not drain well. In this case, the corm has a tendency to rot. Over time, division of the multiplying corms is a gardener’s choice and may be the only real care this Perennial will ever need. Deadheading is also a choice for the dried blooms persist and provide winter food for birds.
