Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Monday - October 05, 2009
From: Lexington, KY
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Propagation, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Cold hardiness of Liatris bulbs
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I live in Lexington KY - This spring I planted Liatris or Blazing Stars. Should I take up the bulbs and replant in spring or leave them in the ground?ANSWER:
Great plant choice!! Liatris is a tough, drought tolerant plant that attracts butterflies (but not deer) and really stands out in a perennial bed.
Definitely leave it in the ground ... there are many species of Liatris native to North America with a very broad range. It is likely that your plant is the popular Liatris spicata (dense blazing star) which is native from Florida to Quebec and all the states in between.
However, it is a bit late to emerge in the spring and in my experience in Zone 4 there are just a few tufts visible above ground when the snow melts ... so leave the tag in and you won't accidentally destroy it during enthusiastic spring planting! Each year it will put up more flower stalks and the bulb clump can be divided every few years. Be sure it is planted in a spot with good drainage ... the bulb will rot in wet soil.
More Propagation Questions
Propagation of Liatris elegans in Lubbock TX
October 14, 2010 - I am going to harvest several Liatris Elegans.I want to grow as many as possible out of what I harvest. What will be the best method? I have plenty of land at my home for growing these plants.I will ...
view the full question and answer
Recommended distance between blueberry plants
May 21, 2008 - How far apart do I need to plant blueberry bushes?
view the full question and answer
Storing seed from Pickerel weed
October 28, 2005 - What's the best method to store seed from Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) and Arrowhead (Sagattaria latifolia)? Should it be kept wet?
view the full question and answer
Texas mail order nurseries for perennials from Centennial CO
May 27, 2010 - Can you advise Texas mail order nurseries for perennials?
view the full question and answer
Sapindus drummondii or Rhus aromatica for Austria
May 07, 2006 - Hy!
I'm from Austria/Europe, and interested in some North American native plants specially. It would be great if you can help me with my two questions:
Sapindus drummondii
I read from different...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
