Liatris
Tiny flower clusters form a tall, narrow spike that has a feathery appearance. 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.
Family: Asteracea
Species: Liatris spicata or L. pycnostachya
Origin: Native to the prairies of North America, Liatris was developed as a cut flower in Israel.
Symbolizes: Liatris symbolizes happiness, joy, bliss and can also represent a desire to try again or an apology.
Also Known As: Gayfeather, Blazing-Star, Button Snakeroot
Care, Handling & Design
Temperature: 34-38F (1-3C)
Humidity: 75-85%
Water: Medium water quality. Avoid softened water.
Vase Life: 6-14 days
What to Look for When Purchasing
When purchasing Liatris, keep in mind that flowers open from the top to bottom of the spike. Stems are 24-32 inches long (61-81 cm). Harvest when at least 3-4 flowers are open. Do not purchase Liatris that has yellow leaves or signs of mold.
Foam Info
Performs well.
Design Tips
The bright purple spikes provide interesting texture in floral arrangements. Excellent for creating a strong line in designs. Very popular in contemporary floral design. 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. Liatris dries well. However, the dried product should be sprayed with a sealant to prevent shattering.
Ethylene Sensitivity
Low
Pest & Disease Information
Fungal problems such as Botrytis and water stress. Leaf yellowing and reduced life are common when these problems exist and are not easily controlled.
Troubleshooting
Leaf yellowing can become a problem.
Product Usage
For optimal care of Liatris, please reference the chart of products below. Make sure to select your region to see which products are available.