Blazing star (Liatris spicata 'Kobold')

Overview

Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’, commonly known as Blazing star, provides sensational vertical interest in the garden, standing out with its dense spikes of deep purple flowers. This compact cultivar is highly valued by gardeners looking for reliable summer color without the need for excessive staking often required by taller herbaceous plants. Its upright habit makes it an excellent structural element in perennial groupings.

This robust herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun and exhibits excellent hardiness across USDA Zones 3 through 8. While it tolerates average soils, it performs best when provided with medium water and fertile ground, though it is notably intolerant of soggy winter conditions. The ability of Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ to manage drought once established adds significant practical value to mixed landscape designs.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this Blazing star cultivar contributes actively to ecological gardening. Its late-summer blooms are magnets for local pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, while later providing seeds for visiting songbirds. Incorporating Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ ensures strong vertical accents and sustains local wildlife throughout the season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.5-1 ft
• Bloom Time: July to August
• Bloom Description: Deep purple
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ is best accomplished in spring or fall, allowing the plant to establish before facing extreme temperatures. Select a location receiving full sun. While this Blazing star tolerates poor soils somewhat, ensure the medium is fertile and drains well; it strongly dislikes wet feet, especially during winter dormancy.

In terms of ongoing care, maintain medium water levels, particularly during dry spells, though established plants show good drought tolerance. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. Due to the compact nature of the ‘Kobold’ cultivar, staking is typically not required, which simplifies summer maintenance significantly.

For optimal performance, cut back the faded flower stalks in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Although establishment from seed is possible, be patient, as it is known to be a slow starter. Focus on ensuring consistent moisture through the first year to encourage strong root development for this reliable perennial.

Landscape Uses

The compact stature of Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ makes it exceptionally useful in defined spaces. It is highly recommended for the front or middle sections of perennial borders where its vertical flower spikes contrast beautifully with mounding or spreading companions. Its strong basal tuft of narrow, grass-like leaves provides consistent green texture even before the blooms appear.

Furthermore, this Blazing star variety excels in functional landscape areas, such as designated rain gardens, due to its moderate water needs and tolerance for varying soil types when drainage is adequate. For floral designers, its excellent qualities as a cut flower that also dries beautifully provide extended seasonal value long after summer has passed.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut
• Good Dried

Noteworthy Characteristics

Liatris spicata, commonly called blazing star, dense blazing star or marsh blazing star, is a tall, upright, clump-forming perennial which is native to moist low grounds, meadows and marsh margins. Features terminal spikes (6-12” long) of sessile, rounded, fluffy, deep purple flower heads (each to 3/4” across) appearing atop rigid, erect, leafy flower stalks. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the small seeds are attractive to songbirds. The ‘Kobold’ cultivar specifically maintains a desirable, small, compact, upright form, typically topping out around 2 to 2.5 feet tall.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil

Potential Problems

This Blazing star generally exhibits good garden health, presenting no serious insect or disease problems for gardeners. Since the ‘Kobold’ cultivar is naturally compact (reaching only 2 to 2.5 feet), the typical requirement for staking seen in wilder, taller forms of Liatris spicata is eliminated. Focus maintenance efforts instead on ensuring proper winter drainage to prevent crown rot in overly saturated conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Blazing star suitable for?

Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering a wide window for successful cultivation across many regions.

How large does Blazing star grow?

This compact Blazing star cultivar typically reaches a manageable height between 1.5 and 2.5 feet tall, with a relatively narrow spread of 0.5 to 1 foot wide.

When does Blazing star bloom?

The deep purple flower spikes of this cultivar appear during mid to late summer, specifically blooming from July through August.

What sun exposure does Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ need?

Optimal growth and flowering for Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ occur when it receives consistent, full sun exposure throughout the day.

Conclusion

The compact size and vertical structure of Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ make it an indispensable choice for high-impact, low-maintenance gardening. Offering beautiful deep purple color, excellent pollinator support, and versatility in design, this Blazing star cultivar performs reliably. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility and plan to incorporate this easily grown perennial in a sunny spot next planting season.

Wildlife Benefits

The flowering structure of Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ is perfectly shaped to attract key garden auxiliaries. The dense, vertically stacked flower clusters present an appealing target for hummingbirds feeding on nectar, while butterflies flock to these rich purple beacons during their migratory periods.

Once the colorful blooms of the Blazing star fade in late summer, the plant transitions into a food source for avian populations. The resulting seeds are small but attractive to many common songbirds. Planting this cultivar ensures you are providing continuous, seasonal support for beneficial wildlife in your landscape.

Companion Planting

When designing settings for Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’, choose companions that share its preference for full sun and medium, well-drained soil. Due to its upright, narrow habit, it pairs wonderfully alongside broad-leaved, mounding plants to create strong contrast.

Consider pairing this Blazing star with shorter, sun-loving perennials like Salvia, Coneflower (Echinacea), or low-growing ornamental grasses. These placements allow the vertical spears of deep purple from the Liatris to stand out clearly without blending into neighboring foliage.