Overview
Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. This plant is commonly known by several names including Glaucous Blazing Star, Showy Blazing Star, and Grass-leaved Blazing Star.Description
Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is a tall plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow to be about 6 inches long. The flowers are purple-pink and are clustered together in a dense, cylindrical raceme that grows up to 10 inches long. The individual flowers are tiny, and each raceme can contain hundreds of flowers.Origin
Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is native to the central and eastern United States. It can be found from Maine to Georgia and as far west as Oklahoma and Missouri. This plant typically grows in open meadows, prairies, and along roadsides.Uses
Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is a popular garden plant because of its attractive flowers and height. It is also sometimes used in prairie and meadow restoration projects. In traditional medicine, Liatris pilosa is believed to have diuretic properties and has been used to treat urinary tract infections. Overall, Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is a beautiful and useful plant that is well-suited to many different settings.Growth Conditions for Liatris pilosa var. elegantula
Light: The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula prefers full sunlight; however, it tolerates partial shade. When planted in shady areas, the plant may grow tall with fewer flowers.
Temperature: The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot summer temperatures to colder winter temperatures. It grows well in temperate climates that experience moderate heat and cold.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. It can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula requires soil that is rich in organic matter, and it grows poorly in heavy clay soils that do not drain well.
Water: The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate short periods of drought but may fail to grow well in areas with prolonged droughts.
Fertilizer: The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula does not require heavy fertilization. However, it grows well when fertilized with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Fertilization should be done only during the growing season.
Other Requirements: The plant requires good air circulation and well-spaced planting to prevent fungal diseases. It can also benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and prolong flowering. The Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Cultivation
Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. is a perennial plant that thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It requires full sun exposure and can tolerate drought, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes. It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9 and requires regular checking for pests and diseases.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. requires about one inch of water per week. Irrigate the plant thoroughly and avoid overwatering as it can result in rot. It's best to water the plant at the base, keeping the foliage dry to negate fungal infection. Reduce watering during winter, as the plant goes dormant and requires less water.
Fertilization
Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. does not require regular fertilization, as it can grow in poor soil conditions. However, it will benefit from a slow-release organic fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid fertilizing during the summer, as it can cause premature blooming and leggy growth.
Pruning
Pruning Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. is not essential, but it helps promote lateral growth, improve air circulation and remove diseased or damaged foliage. Prune the plant after blooming has finished, cutting the flower spikes to the ground. Liatris pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. forms clumps that can grow overcrowded over time. Divide the clumps every three years in early spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote more vigorous growth.
Propagation methods of Liatris pilosa var. elegantula
Liatris pilosa var. elegantula can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation from seeds
The easiest way to propagate Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is from seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the soil or started indoors and then transplanted after the last frost.
The optimal time to sow the seeds is in the early spring, around March or April. The seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil or lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. They require light to germinate, so do not bury them too deep.
Once they germinate, the seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. The new plants should be watered regularly until they become well established.
Propagation from cuttings
Liatris pilosa var. elegantula can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the early spring, before the new growth has started.
Use clean and sharp garden shears to cut a 3 to 4 inches long stem. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Insert the cutting in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. Water the soil and cover the container with a plastic bag or a clear plastic dome to create a greenhouse effect. Place the container in a warm and bright location but avoid direct sun.
The cuttings should root in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once they have rooted, remove the plastic cover and water the plants regularly. After a few weeks, the new plants will be ready to be transplanted into individual containers or outside in the garden.
Propagation from division
The third method of propagation for Liatris pilosa var. elegantula is by division. This can be done in the early spring or in the fall.
Dig up the parent plant and gently separate the clumps of roots and shoots. Each division should have at least one stem and a good root system. Replant the divisions immediately after dividing in a well-prepared soil bed.
The new plants should be watered regularly until they become well established.
Disease Management for Liatris Pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. Elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, Comb. Nov. Ined.
Liatris pilosa is generally considered to be a tough and resilient plant, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by various fungi that thrive in wet soil conditions. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi and bacteria that cause circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus that creates a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management for Liatris Pilosa (Ait.) Willd. var. Elegantula (Greene) Kartesz, Comb. Nov. Ined.
In addition to diseases, Liatris pilosa can also be affected by pests. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage this pest, regularly spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock off the mites. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing deformations on the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
