Gayfeather Liatris for Sale
The Gayfeather liatris perennial is a magnificent North American native whose fluffy, purple blooms have been dotting prairies for centuries. Its native range extends up into eastern Canada and includes the midwestern and eastern United States. It thrives in prairies and meadows, but would be just as at home at the sunny edge of your native or wildflower garden.
Details: Gayfeather Liatris
Family: Asteraceae
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Water Needs: Moderate, Regular
Height: 2-4 ft
Spread: 1 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil
Bloom Time: July, August, September
Flower Color: Purple
Wildlife Value: Host plant for moths, attracts pollinators, and animals eat the seeds
Why Gayfeather Liatris is a Must-Have Pollinator Plant
It is distinct and immediately recognizable by its elongated inflorescence and thick, unbranched stem, which often grows to 4 ft tall. Its leaves are long and thin, and clustered at the base before extending up the stem towards the showy flower cluster.
The purple blossoms bloom very close to the stem, and their fluffy petals spread outward, covering the top few inches of the stem with a burst of purple. Their lush, finely textured foliage and unique height give wonderful contrast to the delicate, drooping plants in your garden. The Gayfeather Liatris has often been used medicinally by many indigenous peoples as a painkiller and as an herbal insect repellent.
How to Grow and Maintain Gayfeather Liatris Plants
The Gayfeather Liatris is excellent for attracting pollinators and other insects to your garden. The showy, purple flowers attract a wide variety of butterflies and bee species, including Bumblebees, Leaf-cutter bees, and digger bees. The colorful flowers attract hummingbirds, which feed on the nectar, while groundhogs, voles, and rabbits eat all parts of the plant.
This gorgeous flower is also a host plant for the rare and beautiful Glorious Flower Moth and the Liatris Borer Moth. The caterpillars of the latter will bore right through the plants' thick stems, while the former's larvae rest on the flower buds.
The Glorious Flower Moth blends beautifully in with the pinky-brown color of the stem and budding flowers with its shimmering, pink and tan wings, and can often be found resting on the plant as it turns slowly from purple to bronze in the autumn.
Customer Reviews
I’ve **** been happier with an online plant order. The Gayfeather Liatris arrived strong and healthy, and they’ve become the highlight of my garden. TN Nursery is unmatched in plant quality and service.
My experience with TN Nursery has been fantastic. The Gayfeather Liatris plants were fresh, lush, and packaged carefully. They’re now blooming beautifully, making my yard look like a pollinator’s paradise.
I ordered several Gayfeather Liatris plants, and all arrived in excellent health. They established quickly and are already enhancing my garden with their vibrant vertical blooms. TN Nursery is my go-to source!
The deep purple spikes of my Gayfeather Liatris are absolutely stunning. They add height, charm, and elegance to my garden. TN Nursery’s plants are always top-notch, and this order proved it again.
I was impressed by how fresh and well-rooted the Gayfeather plants were upon arrival. They’ve taken off wonderfully in my garden, showing both strength and beauty. Thank you, TN Nursery!
Does gayfeather need full sun?
Yes, Gayfeather, also known as Liatris, thrives in full sun. It grows best with plenty of light, producing tall spikes of vibrant purple blooms. Sunlight helps it stay healthy, attract pollinators, and bloom beautifully all season.
Where is the best place to plant Liatris?
The best place to plant Liatris is in full sun with well-drained soil. It looks beautiful in borders, wildflower gardens, or pollinator beds. With sunlight and space, it produces tall, colorful spikes that attract butterflies and bees.
Will Liatris rebloom if deadheaded?
Yes, Liatris may produce a light second bloom if deadheaded after flowering. Removing spent spikes helps the plant stay tidy and encourages fresh growth. With a little care, it continues to add color and charm through the season.
Exposure
Gayfeather (Liatris) thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can endure partial shade but blossoms best and maintains a sturdy growth habit when exposed to consistent, bright sunlight in well-drained soil.
Height at Maturity
Over 12"
Usage
Pollinator Plant
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
USPS
Planting Zones
3-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs
Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.
Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.
