Marsh Blazingstar, also known as Gayfeather, is a captivating perennial wildflower native to North America. Here's an overview of this beautiful plant…Marsh Blazingstar produces tall, slender spikes adorned with numerous small, fluffy, purple-pink flowers. The flowers open gradually from top to bottom, creating a striking vertical display. The blooms are dense and give the appearance of a blazing starburst when in full bloom.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Liatris spicata
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Conservation, Habitat
- Germination Time: 14 - 21 days, under optimal conditions; seeds may lay dormant for years prior to germination
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 3 - 4 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results, adaptable to both sun and partial shade.
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Typically, these plants grow to heights ranging from 2 to 4 feet tall, with flower spikes rising above the foliage. They form clumps and often feature multiple flowering stems.
Marsh Blazingstar blooms in mid to late summer, adding vibrant color to gardens and natural landscapes. The flowering period can last for several weeks. The plant's foliage consists of narrow, grass-like leaves arranged along the stems. The leaves are usually dark green and add to the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Marsh Blazingstar thrives in moist to wet soil conditions, making it suitable for marshy or boggy areas in gardens. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. These flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
Marsh Blazingstar is popular in wildflower gardens, rain gardens, and wetland restoration projects due to its adaptability to moist conditions and its showy blooms. Once established, Marsh Blazingstar is relatively low-maintenance. Regular watering may be necessary in drier conditions, especially during its establishment phase.
Marsh Blazingstar is prized for its tall, vibrant flower spikes, its attraction to pollinators, and its suitability for moist garden conditions, making it an excellent choice for adding color and interest to wetland gardens or areas with consistently moist soil.
*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured.
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Marsh Blazingstar Wildflower Seed
Marsh Blazingstar, also known as Gayfeather, is a captivating perennial wildflower native to North America. Here's an overview of this beautiful plant…Marsh Blazingstar produces tall, slender spikes adorned with numerous small, fluffy, purple-pink flowers. The flowers open gradually from top to bottom, creating a striking vertical display. The blooms are dense and give the appearance of a blazing starburst when in full bloom.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...Marsh Blazingstar Wildflower Seed
Marsh Blazingstar, also known as Gayfeather, is a captivating perennial wildflower native to North America. Here's an overview of this beautiful plant…Marsh Blazingstar produces tall, slender spikes adorned with numerous small, fluffy, purple-pink flowers. The flowers open gradually from top to bottom, creating a striking vertical display. The blooms are dense and give the appearance of a blazing starburst when in full bloom.