Origin
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss, commonly known as "Nieuwland's blazing star," belongs to the Aster family (Asteraceae) and is native to the United States. It is known to grow in states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Common Names
Aside from "Nieuwland's blazing star," Liatris scariosa is known by various other common names, including gayfeather, button snakeroot, and colic root. These names commonly refer to the plant's unique and prominent spike-like clusters of flowers, which come in shades of purple and pink.
Uses
Liatris scariosa has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Its unique appearance and long-lasting bloom time make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects. It is also a popular choice for dried flower arrangements.
Aside from its ornamental value, Liatris scariosa has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The plant's roots, in particular, have been used to treat stomach ailments and colic. It was also used by Native Americans as a natural remedy for coughs, colds, and respiratory infections.
General Appearance
Liatris scariosa is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows between 2 and 5 feet tall. Its characteristic spike-like clusters of flowers bloom from late summer to early autumn, with each individual flower measuring around 1 inch long. The flowers are surrounded by prominent bracts that are often tinged with purple. The leaves grow alternately along the stem and are long and narrow, measuring around 8-12 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant's roots are long and fibrous, and it spreads easily through self-seeding.
Light Conditions
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss typically grows in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to grow optimally. When grown in full sun, it produces more flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss growth is between 22°C to 27°C. It can tolerate temperatures between 10°C to 35°C, but growth may be stunted or reduced in such conditions. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate frost, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold can be detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss grows well in well-draining soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers moist soils, but it can also tolerate dry soil conditions. Adding organic matter to the soil improves its fertility and can aid in the plant's growth. Mulching around the plant's base helps to retain soil moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperatures.
Cultivation methods
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss, commonly known as Nieuwland's blazing star, prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant requires full sun and at least six hours of uninterrupted sunlight every day. It can be grown from seeds that need to be sown in spring and summer, at a depth of 1/8 inch, and approximately 12 inches apart. Nieuwland's blazing star can also be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring before new growth starts.
Watering needs
Watering Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss should be done moderately, especially during the growing and blooming season. The plant prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil dries out slightly between watering. Watering can be reduced in the winter when the plant is dormant, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilization
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss grows well in nutrient-rich soil, but too much fertilizer can cause the plant to produce lush foliage with fewer flowers. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, and avoid applying fertilizer in the fall. Alternatively, you can apply a layer of organic compost around the plant once a year to add nutrients to the soil.
Pruning
Nieuwland's blazing star requires minimal pruning, and it is generally limited to removing dead or damaged foliage and spent flower spikes. If you want to control the plant's height, you can pinch back the top growth in early summer, which will encourage branching and result in a more compact plant. Remove any faded flowers to promote more robust flowering the following year.
Propagation of Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii
Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii can be propagated using several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant in late fall and sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds can also be stratified in a refrigerator for several weeks before planting to improve germination rates. Cover the seed with a thin layer of soil and keep it moist until germination occurs, which can take up to several weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii can also be propagated using vegetative means:
Division
The plant can be divided in early spring or late fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the clumps into individual plants. Make sure each division has root and shoot structures before transplanting them into a well-draining soil mix. Water immediately after planting, and keep the soil moist until root growth is established.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer when new growth is present. Cut a 4-6 inch section of new growth from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water and keep moist until roots and new shoots appear, which can take several weeks.
Disease Management
Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. nieuwlandii (Lunell) E.G. Voss is susceptible to various foliar diseases that can affect the plant's health and damage its appearance. The most common foliar diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot diseases.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and maintain adequate airflow around the plant to reduce humidity levels.
Rust is another foliar disease that affects Liatris scariosa. It appears as small orange-brown spots on the leaves and can cause severe defoliation. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the plant as soon as the disease appears.
Leaf spot diseases are caused by various fungal pathogens and can appear as yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot diseases, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering that can promote the spread of the disease, and apply a fungicide to the plant as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Liatris scariosa is generally not severely affected by pests. However, it can occasionally attract some common plant pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause significant damage to the plant's growth and development. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove them by hand or apply insecticidal soap to the plant as soon as an infestation is noticed.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with water to increase humidity levels and apply a miticide to the plant as soon as an infestation appears.
Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning can help prevent pest infestations and reduce the risk of disease.
