Liatris: A North American Icon
Emma Bradford – FloraLife U.K., July 2024
Belonging to the family Asteraceae, meaning it’s related to Sunflowers and Gerbera, Liatris is often the backbone of beautiful floral arrangements.
A North American native, Liatris is commonly known as Blazing Stars or Gay Feathers due to its profusion of purple ray flowers. In the wild it is an important source of food for caterpillars, with some species of moth laying their eggs exclusively on this genus.
Liatris is very easy to spot in the wild. Unlike many other species which have been bred to improve their ornamental qualities, the stems available as cut flowers very closely resemble their native ancestors.
Available year round, this flower is often used to create height and structure in arrangements. It suits many aesthetics from cottage garden to minimalist chic, so it should definitely be included as standard in every florist’s stock cooler. Liatris is unusual in that the flowers open from the top of the stem downwards. Most other spiked-type flowers used in the floral industry open from the bottom up.
Foliage is grass-like. Liatris is mainly available in purple but also comes in white. It has small individual flowers with needle-like petals on dense spikes that are about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long at stem ends.
These stunning stems are not only beautiful, but are also long-lasting, giving up to 12 days of vaselife provided they are cared for correctly. So be sure to keep this American wildflower at hand to add a blazing streak of color to any floral display.
Care and Handing Information
Harvesting/Purchasing
When purchasing Liatris, keep in mind that flowers open from the top to bottom of the spike. Harvest when at least 3-4 flowers are open. Do not purchase Liatris that has yellow leaves or signs of mold.
Shipping & Storage
Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F (1 – 3°C).
Re-hydration at store level
- Store flowers dry at 34 – 38° F for as long as possible (until flowers are needed for wet case display).
- Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner.
- If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
- Place flowers in a flower food holding solution such as FloraLife® Express 200. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener.
- Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with 75 – 85% relative humidity.
- Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
- Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Liatris or any other flowers.
Vase Care
- Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
- If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
- Immediately place flowers in properly dosed vase solutions (flower food and water) containing FloraLife Crystal Clear® (the perfect solution for clear vases), or FloraLife® Express 300 (the no-cut premium solution).
Common Defects
Fungal problems such as Botrytis, water stress and leaf yellowing.
For more information, click here: