Blazing Star
Liatris spicata
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Blazing Star
Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a native North American perennial that sends up tall, dense wands of feathery rose-purple flowers that open from the top of the spike downward — the opposite of most flowering spikes. It grows from a corm, produces grass-like basal foliage, and is a magnet for butterflies and bees. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- White, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Plant Blazing Star in full sun for best performance. In NE Florida, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is required; plants in shade will be short-lived and floppy.
Water regularly during establishment to develop a strong root system. Once established, Blazing Star is fairly drought tolerant; NE Florida's summer rains usually provide adequate moisture. Avoid overwatering, as wet soil causes rot.
Grows best in well-drained, sandy soil — NE Florida's native sandy soils are ideal. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer before new growth in spring; avoid over-fertilizing as excess nutrients cause flower spikes to flop.
Similar needs
African Iris
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Agapanthus
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Aster
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Atamasco Lily
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Blue Mistflower
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Bluestar
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Blazing Star a good plant for St. Augustine?
Blazing Star is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.